Information processing method, network element, access network device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The information processing method is executed by a first network element, and comprises: when a first link is unavailable, determining a first operation, wherein the step of determining a first operation comprises: determining that a terminal is authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function, or determining that a terminal is not authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function, and wherein the first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal. In this way, the first network element can accurately determine whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, thereby determining whether the first network element provides services for the terminal, thus reducing the occurrence of situations where attackers maliciously exhaust resources of core network devices (such as the first network element).

Description

Information processing method, network element, access network equipment, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to an information processing method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the field of communication technology, satellite communication technology has been introduced, that is, terminals can communicate through satellite access networks. Regarding satellite access networks, it is necessary to consider whether the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station and / or the service link between the satellite and the terminal are available.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed embodiments need to solve the problem of terminal authorization when a link is unavailable in satellite communications.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is executed by a first network element, including: determining a first operation when a first link is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

[0006] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is executed by a second network element, including: determining a first operation when a service link between a satellite and a terminal is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function.

[0007] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is executed by a fourth network element, including: sending a first notification to a first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent; the first notification is used by the first network element to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable, wherein determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is executed by an access network device, including: receiving a third notification sent by a second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; storing downlink data when a service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is proposed, including: a first processing module, configured to determine a first operation when a first link is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

[0010] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is proposed, including: a second processing module, configured to determine a first operation when a service link between a satellite and a terminal is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0011] According to the seventh aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a fourth network element is proposed, including: a third transceiver module, configured to send a first notification to the first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent; the first notification is used for the first network element to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable, wherein determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is proposed, comprising: a fourth transceiver module and a fourth processing module; wherein the fourth transceiver module is configured to receive a third notification sent by the second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; the fourth processing module is configured to store downlink data when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0013] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising one or more processors; wherein the above-mentioned communication device is used to execute optional implementation methods such as the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0014] According to the tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including: a first network element, a second network element, a fourth network element and / or an access network device; wherein, the above-mentioned first network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the above-mentioned second network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect, the above-mentioned fourth network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect, and / or the above-mentioned access network device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the fourth aspect.

[0015] According to the eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0016] The embodiments of the present disclosure may enable UE authorization to be determined when a link in satellite communication is unavailable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG2B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG2C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG2D is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG3A is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG3B is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG3C is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG3D is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG4A is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG4B is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG4C is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG4D is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG5A is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG5B is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG5C is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG5D is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG6 is a flow chart showing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG7A is a schematic structural diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG7B is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG7C is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG8A is a schematic structural diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG8B is a schematic structural diagram of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG8C is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG8D is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG9A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG9B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0046] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element, including: determining a first operation when a first link is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein, the first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

[0047] In the above embodiment, in satellite communication, when the service link and / or feeder link is unavailable, the first network element (such as an MME agent or a ground MME) can determine whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; if the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element can provide storage and forwarding services for the terminal, or if the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element may not need to provide storage and forwarding services for the terminal; in this way, by accurately determining whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, it can be clear whether the first network element provides services for the terminal, thereby reducing the possibility of attackers maliciously exhausting the resources of the core network device (such as the first network element).

[0048] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first operation includes at least one of the following: determining the first operation based on user equipment (UE) context information obtained from the second network element; wherein the UE context information is at least used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; determining the first operation based on the UE context information stored in the first network element; and determining the first operation based on the UE subscription data obtained from the third network element; wherein the UE subscription data is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0049] In the above embodiment, whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function is determined in a variety of ways, thereby adapting to more application scenarios.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before determining the first operation, the method further includes: determining whether the first link is available based on first information, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information.

[0051] In the above embodiment, whether the first link is available can be accurately determined by covering the availability information and / or ephemeris information, that is, whether the service link and / or feeder link is available, thereby facilitating the determination of whether to perform the UE authorization check and / or whether to send downlink data.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before determining whether the first link is available, the method further includes: receiving a first notification sent by a fourth network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0053] In the above embodiment, whether the feeder link and / or service link are available can be determined by receiving a notification of downlink data sent by the fourth network element (i.e., the ground gateway), thereby reducing the waste of resources caused by sending downlink data when the service link and / or feeder link is unavailable.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first link is a feeder link, and the method also includes: sending a first confirmation message to the fourth network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; second indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is available; third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; timer information, used to indicate the start of a first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is determined based on the time when the feeder link is unavailable; a first pause reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a first failure reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the first network element can send the detection result of whether the feeder link is available, the reason for unavailability, the corresponding timer information when the feeder link is unavailable, and / or the result of whether the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function to the fourth network element, so that the fourth network element can accurately know the status of whether the feeder link is available and / or the authorization status of the UE, etc.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending a first confirmation message to the fourth network element includes one of the following: when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending first indication information, third indication information and / or timer information to the fourth network element; when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending timer information and / or a first pause reason indication to the fourth network element; when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending first indication information and / or fourth indication information to the fourth network element; and when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending a first failure reason indication to the fourth network element.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first link is a service link, and the method also includes: sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and second failure reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the first network element may send the detection result of whether the service link is available, the reason for unavailability, and / or the result of whether the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, etc. to the fourth network element, so that the fourth network element can accurately know the status of whether the service link is available and / or the authorization status of the UE, etc. In addition, this embodiment can also detect the status of whether the service link is available by the first network element on the ground, thereby reducing the burden on the second network element on the satellite.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element includes one of the following: sending fifth indication information and / or third indication information to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending a second suspension reason indication to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending fifth indication information and / or fourth indication information to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and sending a second failure reason indication to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0060] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes at least one of the following: when the first link is unavailable, storing downlink data sent by the fourth network element; and when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending a second notification to the second network element, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the first network element stores downlink data when the first link is unavailable, thereby reducing the possibility of downlink data loss; and when the first link becomes available again, the downlink data can be promptly sent to the terminal. Furthermore, this embodiment can also send a second notification to the second network element when the feeder link is available but the serving link is unavailable, informing the second network element that downlink data is being sent, thereby facilitating the second network element to perform subsequent operations, such as further determining whether the serving link is available and / or determining whether the UE has authorized the use of the data storage and forwarding function.

[0062] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network; and / or, the second network element is deployed on a satellite; and / or, the third network element is a home subscriber server (Home Subscriber Server, HSS); and / or, the fourth network element is a serving gateway (Severing Gateway, S-GW) or a packet data network gateway (Packet Data Network Gateway, P-GW).

[0063] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by a second network element, including: determining a first operation when a service link between a satellite and a terminal is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the second network element (such as the MME on the satellite) can accurately determine whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function when the service link is unavailable. In this way, it can be clear whether the second network element provides services to the terminal, thereby reducing the possibility of attackers maliciously exhausting the resources of the core network equipment on the satellite (such as the second network element).

[0065] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first operation includes at least one of the following: determining the first operation based on UE context information; wherein the UE context information is at least used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and determining the first operation based on UE subscription data obtained from a third network element; wherein the UE subscription data is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0066] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, before determining the first operation, at least one of the following is included: determining whether the service link is available based on first information, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information; and determining whether the service link is available based on the paging situation of the paging message.

[0067] In the above embodiment, whether the service link is available can be accurately determined by using the coverage availability information; and / or whether the service link is available can be accurately determined by sending a paging message to the terminal.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, before determining whether the service link is available, it also includes: receiving a second notification sent by the fourth network element or the first network element, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: sending a second confirmation message to the first network element; or, sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element; wherein the second confirmation information includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and second failure reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending a second confirmation message to the first network element or sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element includes one of the following: when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending fifth indication information and / or third indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element; when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending a second suspension reason indication to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element; when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending fifth indication information and / or fourth indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element; and when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending a second failure reason indication to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element.

[0071] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: storing downlink data sent by the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the second network element can store downlink data when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, thereby reducing the loss of downlink data on the one hand and facilitating the timely sending of downlink data to the terminal after the service link is restored.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the service link is unavailable, storing the downlink data sent by the fourth network element includes: storing the downlink data when the fourth network element provides downlink data through the control plane and the service link is unavailable.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the downlink data sent by the fourth network element can be obtained and stored through the transmission path in the control plane, so that the downlink data can be successfully obtained.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: when a non-access stratum (NAS) connection is established between the terminal and the second network element, performing security protection on the downlink data.

[0076] In the above embodiment, security protection can be performed on downlink data, thereby reducing the risk of downlink data being leaked.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a third notification to the access network device, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0078] In the above embodiment, whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function can be sent to the access network device, so that the access network device does not provide services to terminals that are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, thereby reducing the occurrence of access network device resources being exhausted by terminals that are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function (such as attackers).

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network; and / or, the second network element is deployed on a satellite; and / or, the third network element is an HSS; and / or, the fourth network element is an S-GW or a P-GW.

[0080] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by a fourth network element, including: sending a first notification to the first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent; the first notification is used by the first network element to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable, wherein determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: receiving a first confirmation message sent by a first network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; second indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is available; third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; timer information, used to indicate the start of a first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is determined based on the time when the feeder link is unavailable; a first pause reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a first failure reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: when it is determined that the feeder link is available, sending a second notification and / or downlink data to the second network element through the first network element; wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes at least one of the following: determining that the feeder link is available based on the expiration of the first timer; determining that the feeder link is available based on the second indication information included in the received first confirmation message; and determining that the feeder link is available based on the coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information indicating that the feeder link is available.

[0084] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: receiving a second confirmation message sent by the first network element or receiving a second network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and second failure reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network; and / or, the second network element is deployed on a satellite; and / or, the third network element is an HSS; and / or, the fourth network element is an S-GW or a P-GW.

[0086] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by an access network device, including: receiving a third notification sent by a second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, storing downlink data.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the access network device can know whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, so that the access network device does not provide services to terminals that are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, thereby reducing the situation where the access network device resources are exhausted by terminals that are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function (such as attackers).

[0088] In addition, the access network equipment can store downlink data when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. This can reduce the loss of downlink data on the one hand, and facilitate the timely sending of downlink data to the terminal after the service link is restored.

[0089] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first network element, including: a first processing module, configured to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein, the first link is: a feeder link between the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0090] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second network element, including: a second processing module, configured to determine a first operation when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0091] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a fourth network element, including: a third transceiver module, configured to send a first notification to the first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent; the first notification is used for the first network element to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable, wherein determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0092] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access network device, comprising: a fourth transceiver module and a fourth processing module; wherein the fourth transceiver module is configured to receive a third notification sent by the second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; the fourth processing module is configured to store downlink data when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0093] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device comprising one or more processors; wherein the above-mentioned communication device is used to execute optional implementation methods such as the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0094] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, comprising: a first network element, a second network element, a fourth network element and / or an access network device; wherein, the above-mentioned first network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the above-mentioned second network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect, the above-mentioned fourth network element is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect, and / or the above-mentioned access network device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the fourth aspect.

[0095] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0096] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0097] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the information processing method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0098] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a chip or a chip system; the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in accordance with the above-mentioned first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect and fourth aspect.

[0099] It is understandable that the above-mentioned network elements (e.g., the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, and / or the fourth network element), access network equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to perform the method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0100] The present disclosure provides an information processing method, terminal, network device, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms information processing method and communication method are interchangeable, the terms information processing device and communication device are interchangeable, and the terms information processing system and communication system are interchangeable.

[0101] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0102] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be used interchangeably. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0103] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0105] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0106] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0107] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0108] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0109] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0110] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0111] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0112] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0113] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0115] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0117] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, it can also be called device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it can also be set as a structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, language such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by language corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0119] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0120] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0121] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0122] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the information processing system 100 may include: a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0123] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IOT) device or terminal, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0127] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0128] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a device including a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, or a fourth network element, or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first device and the second device. The first device and the second device may be network elements; the network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0129] In some embodiments, the first network element and the second network element may be Mobility Management Entities (MMEs), but their names are not limited thereto. Optionally, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network; for example, the first network element may be an MME agent or a terrestrial MME (MME-T). Optionally, the second network element is deployed on a satellite; for example, the second network element may be an MME or a non-terrestrial MME (MME-NT) or a newly defined network element function. The first network element and the second network element are network elements that manage the mobility of mobile devices, including location tracking, authentication, and security management functions of the mobile devices.

[0130] In some embodiments, the third network element may be an HSS, but its name is not limited thereto. The third network element is a network element having a function of storing user information and service subscription information of the terminal.

[0131] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may be an S-GW or a P-GW, and its name is not limited thereto. The fourth network element is a network element that provides data forwarding and routing functions.

[0132] It can be understood that the information processing system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0133] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the information processing system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The information processing system may include all or a portion of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0134] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0135] In some embodiments, satellite communications may define "transparent satellite payloads" and "regenerative satellite payloads." In the "regenerative satellite payload" scenario, the satellite supports the Radio Network Layer protocol. Because the satellite is processing the payload, it can store and forward information and establish communications with neighboring satellites via inter-satellite links (ISLs). This communication mode may also be referred to as store-and-forward satellite service operation.

[0136] In store-and-forward service operation, the service link between the UE and the satellite (SAT) and the feeder link between the SAT and the ground station may not be available at the same time. If the service link is available but the feeder link is unavailable, the SAT can temporarily store uplink (UL) data from the UE. If the feeder link is available but the service link is unavailable, the SAT can temporarily store downlink (DL) data from the core network (CN).

[0137] However, if UE authorization is not checked before performing a store and forward service operation, the SAT's resources may be exhausted by an attacker and the satellite access service will be stopped. Currently, how to authorize the UE to use the store and forward service operation is very important.

[0138] Optionally, the UE may be a terminal.

[0139] FIG2A is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method for an information processing system 100, the method comprising:

[0140] Step S2101: The fourth network element sends a first notification to the first network element.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first notification sent by the fourth network element.

[0142] Optionally, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network. For example, the first network element may be an MME agent, a terrestrial MME (MME-T), or other network element, entity, or function capable of implementing mobility management in a terrestrial network. The name of the first network element is not limited.

[0143] Optionally, the fourth network element may be a gateway of a terrestrial network.

[0144] Optionally, the fourth network element may be an S-GW or a P-GW.

[0145] Optionally, when the fourth network element is an S-GW, the S-GW sends a first notification to the first network element. The first network element receives the first notification from the S-GW.

[0146] Optionally, when the fourth network element is a P-GW, the P-GW sends the first notification to the S-GW, and the S-GW sends the first notification to the first network element. The first network element receives the first notification sent by the P-GW through the S-GW.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data has been sent or arrived.

[0148] Optionally, the first notification may include at least part of the downlink data.

[0149] Optionally, the downlink data may be data used for data storage and forwarding functions or data sent to a terminal, etc. The downlink data may be any data.

[0150] Optionally, the name of the downlink data is not limited, and it can be, for example, first data or downlink terminal data.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first notification is used by the first network element to determine whether the first link is available and / or is used by the first network element to determine a first operation.

[0152] Optionally, the first notification is used by the first network element to determine a first operation when it is determined that the first link is unavailable.

[0153] Optionally, the first notification is used by the first network element to determine whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function when determining that the first link is unavailable.

[0154] Optionally, the first link may be a feeder link and / or a service link. Exemplarily, the feeder link may be a link between a satellite and a ground station; for example, the feeder link may be a link between a satellite and a non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway; or, in another example, the feeder link may be a link between a satellite and a fourth network element. Exemplarily, the service link may be a link between a satellite and a terminal.

[0155] Optionally, the feeder link may be a link serving multiple terminals; the service link may be a link for each terminal. Exemplarily, the link between the satellite and each terminal may constitute a service link; and the feeder link may correspond to one or more service links.

[0156] Optionally, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0157] Optionally, the data storage and forwarding function is used to transmit terminal data in a store-and-forward manner in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) access. The terminal authorizes the use of the data storage and forwarding function so that the terminal can use the store-and-forward service for business communications in a network that supports this feature.

[0158] Optionally, the name of the data storage and forwarding function may not be limited, and may be, for example, the first function, etc. Optionally, the first function is used to indicate that the terminal can enable service communication of storage and forwarding data, etc.

[0159] In some embodiments, the name of the first notification is not limited, and it can be, for example, a downlink data notification or a downlink data indication.

[0160] Step S2102: The first network element determines a first operation.

[0161] Optionally, the first network element determines whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0162] Optionally, the first network element determines whether the at least one terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. The feeder link may correspond to multiple terminals; the at least one terminal may be one or more of the multiple terminals.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first network element determines a first operation when the first link is unavailable.

[0164] Optionally, the first network element determines the first operation when the feeder link is unavailable.

[0165] Optionally, the first network element determines the first operation when the service link is unavailable.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the first operation based on UE context information obtained from the second network element.

[0167] Optionally, the second network element is deployed on a satellite. For example, the second network element may be an MME or a non-terrestrial MME (MME-NT). In another example, the second network element may be a newly defined network element, entity, or function. In another example, the second network element may be a network element, entity, or function capable of implementing mobility management in a non-terrestrial network. The name of the second network element is not limited.

[0168] Optionally, the UE context information is used to at least indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. For example, the UE context information includes capability information of the terminal, where the capability information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function or is used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. For another example, whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function can be inferred based on the UE context information.

[0169] Optionally, the first network element receives UE context information sent by the second network element. Optionally, the UE context information may be sent by the second network element before determining that the feeder link is unavailable; or, the UE context information may be sent by the second network element when generating the UE context information; or, the UE context information is sent after receiving a first request sent by the first network element, where the first request is used to request UE context information and the first request may include a first identifier of the terminal. The first identifier is used to identify the terminal.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the first operation based on UE context information stored by the first network element.

[0171] Optionally, the first network element may obtain the UE context information from the second network element before the feeder link becomes unavailable, and store the information.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the first operation based on UE subscription data obtained from the third network element.

[0173] Optionally, the third network element may be an HSS. The name of the third network element is not limited.

[0174] Optionally, the UE subscription data may include subscription-related data of at least one terminal. For example, the UE subscription data may include at least information on whether at least one terminal is authorized to use the store-and-forward function. For another example, the UE subscription data may be used to indicate at least whether the terminal is authorized to use the data store-and-forward function.

[0175] Optionally, the first network element receives UE subscription data sent by the third network element. Optionally, the UE subscription data is proactively sent by the third network element. Optionally, the UE subscription data is sent by the third network element upon receiving a second request from the first network element, where the second request is used to request the UE subscription data; if the second request includes a first identifier of the terminal, the third network element may further only send the UE subscription data of the terminal corresponding to the first identifier.

[0176] In some optional embodiments, before step S2102, the method may further include: the first network element determining whether the first link is available.

[0177] In some optional embodiments, the first network element determines whether the first link is available based on the first information. Optionally, determining whether the first link is available includes: determining that the first link is available, or determining that the first link is unavailable. The first link being available may mean that the first link is in a connected state. The first link being unavailable may mean that the first link is in an interrupted or disconnected state.

[0178] Optionally, the first information may include coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information.

[0179] Exemplarily, the coverage availability information is information related to the satellite and the terminal. For example, the coverage availability information can be used to indicate whether the terminal is within the coverage of the satellite and the movement trajectory of the satellite.

[0180] For example, ephemeris information is information related to a satellite. For example, ephemeris information may include satellite position information, satellite velocity information, and / or satellite trajectory. In another example, ephemeris information may include information related to the satellite's time, coordinates, position, and / or velocity.

[0181] Optionally, the first network element determines whether the feeder link is available based on the coverage availability information and / or the ephemeris information.

[0182] Exemplarily, if the first network element determines that the position of the first network element is not within the coverage of the satellite, it determines that the feeder link is unavailable; or, if the first network element determines that the position of the first network element is within the coverage of the satellite, it determines that the feeder link is available.

[0183] Optionally, the first network element determines whether the service link is available based on the coverage availability information.

[0184] Exemplarily, if the first network element determines that the location of the terminal is not within the coverage of the satellite, it determines that the service link is unavailable; or, if the first network element determines that the location of the terminal is within the coverage of the satellite, it determines that the service link is available.

[0185] Optionally, the names of the first information, coverage availability information, and ephemeris information may not be limited.

[0186] Step S2103: The first network element sends a first confirmation message and / or a second confirmation message to the fourth network element.

[0187] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the first confirmation message and / or the second confirmation message sent by the first network element.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a first confirmation message when the feeder link is unavailable.

[0189] Optionally, the first confirmation message is determined based on the first notification; the first confirmation notification is used to confirm that downlink data is being sent as indicated by the first notification.

[0190] Optionally, the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, second indication information, third indication information, fourth indication information, timer information, first suspension reason indication, and first failure reason indication.

[0191] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable.

[0192] Optionally, the second indication information is used to indicate that the feeder link is available.

[0193] Optionally, the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. Optionally, the third indication information is used to indicate that at least one terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. For example, the first field of the third indication information is used to indicate the first identifier of one or more terminals, and the second field of the third indication information is used to indicate that the one or more terminals are authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. In this way, the third indication information can be used to indicate that the terminal corresponding to the at least one first identifier is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0194] Optionally, the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. Optionally, the fourth indication information is used to indicate that at least one terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. For example, the first field of the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second identifier of one or more terminals, and the second field of the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the one or more terminals are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. In this way, the fourth indication information can be used to indicate that the terminal corresponding to the at least one first identifier is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0195] Optionally, the timer information is used to indicate starting a first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is determined based on the time during which the feeder link is unavailable. Optionally, the timer information is used to indicate the timing duration of the first timer.

[0196] Optionally, the timer information is for all terminals, or the timer information is for each terminal. Exemplarily, for different terminals, the first timer is different; different first timers have different timing durations.

[0197] Optionally, the timing duration of the first timer is greater than or equal to the timing time during which the feeder link is unavailable.

[0198] Optionally, the first suspension reason indication is used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0199] Optionally, the first failure cause indication is used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0200] Optionally, when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends the first indication information, the third indication information and / or timer information to the fourth network element.

[0201] Optionally, when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends timer information and / or a first suspension reason indication to the fourth network element.

[0202] Optionally, when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends the first indication information and / or the fourth indication information to the fourth network element.

[0203] Optionally, when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends a first failure cause indication to the fourth network element.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first indication information, the second indication information, the third indication information, the fourth indication information, the timer information, the first pause reason indication and the first failure reason indication can all be one or more bits, or one or more fields, etc.

[0205] In some embodiments, the name of the first confirmation message is not limited, and it can be, for example, a downlink data notification confirmation, a UE authorization indication, or a feeder link availability indication.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a second confirmation message when the service link is unavailable.

[0207] Optionally, the second confirmation message is determined based on the first notification; the second confirmation notification is used to confirm that the downlink data indicated by the second notification has been sent.

[0208] Optionally, the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, fourth indication information, fifth indication information, sixth indication information, a second suspension original indication, and a second failure reason indication.

[0209] Optionally, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable. Optionally, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that at least one service link is unavailable. For example, the first field of the fifth indication information indicates the second identifier of at least one or more service links, and the second field of the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the one or more service links are unavailable.

[0210] Optionally, the sixth indication information is used to indicate that a service link is available. Optionally, the sixth indication information is used to indicate that at least one service link is available. For example, the first field of the sixth indication information is used to indicate that at least one service link is available, and the second field of the sixth indication information is used to indicate that the one or more service links are available.

[0211] Optionally, the second suspension reason indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0212] Optionally, the second failure cause indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0213] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends the fifth indication information and / or the third indication information to the fourth network element.

[0214] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends a second suspension reason indication to the fourth network element.

[0215] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends the fifth indication information and / or the fourth indication information to the fourth network element.

[0216] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element sends a second failure cause indication to the fourth network element.

[0217] In some embodiments, the third indication information, the fourth indication information, the fifth indication information, the sixth indication information, the second suspension reason indication and the second failure reason indication may each be one or more bits, or one or more fields, etc.

[0218] In some optional embodiments, the first network element stores the downlink data when the first link is unavailable. Optionally, the downlink data is sent by a fourth network element.

[0219] Optionally, the first network element stores downlink data when the feeder link is unavailable.

[0220] Optionally, the first network element stores the downlink data when the service link is unavailable.

[0221] Step S2104: The fourth network element sends a second notification to the second network element.

[0222] In some embodiments, the second network element receives a second notification from the fourth network element.

[0223] Optionally, the fourth network element sends the second notification to the second network element via the first network element. Exemplarily, the fourth network element sends the second notification to the first network element, and the first network element sends the second notification to the second network element. Exemplarily, the fourth network element sends the second notification to the second network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0224] Optionally, the second network element receives the second notification sent by the fourth network element through the first network element. Exemplarily, the second network element receives the second notification sent by the first network element; wherein the second notification is received by the first network element from the second network element.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0226] Optionally, the first notification and the second notification are the same; or, the first notification and the second notification are different. Here, the first notification is sent to the first network element; and the second notification is sent to the second network element.

[0227] Optionally, the second notification may include at least part of the downlink data.

[0228] Optionally, the second notification is used by the second network element to determine whether the service link is available and / or is used by the second network element to determine the first operation.

[0229] Optionally, the first notification is used by the second network element to determine a first operation when it is determined that the service link is unavailable.

[0230] Optionally, the first notification is used by the second network element to determine whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function when determining that the service link is unavailable.

[0231] In some optional embodiments, the fourth network element sends downlink data or arrives to the second network element.

[0232] In some optional embodiments, before step S2104, the method may further include: the fourth network element determining that the feeder link is available.

[0233] Optionally, the fourth network element determines that the feeder link is available based on expiration of the first timer.

[0234] Exemplarily, the fourth network element receives timer information sent by the first network element; the fourth network element starts the first timer based on the timer information, and determines that the feeder link is available when it is determined that the first timer has expired.

[0235] Optionally, the fourth network element determines that the feeder link is available based on the second indication information included in the received first confirmation message.

[0236] Exemplarily, the fourth network element receives the first confirmation message sent by the first network element; if the fourth network element determines that the first confirmation message includes the second indication information, it determines that the feeder link is available.

[0237] Optionally, the fourth network element determines that the feeder link is available based on the coverage availability information and / or the ephemeris information indicating that the feeder link is available.

[0238] Exemplarily, the fourth network element may obtain coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information from other network elements, such as the first network element; and the fourth network element determines whether the feeder link is available based on the coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the name of the second confirmation message is not limited, and it can be, for example, a downlink data notification confirmation, a UE authorization indication, or a service link availability indication.

[0240] In some embodiments, the name of the second notification is not limited, and it can be, for example, a downlink data notification or a downlink data indication.

[0241] Step S2105: The second network element determines the first operation.

[0242] Optionally, the second network element determines whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0243] Optionally, the second network element determines whether the at least one terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. The satellite can establish a service link with at least one terminal respectively; a service link is a link between the satellite and a terminal.

[0244] Optionally, the second network element determines the first operation when the service link is unavailable.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second network element determines the first operation based on UE context information.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second network element determines the first operation based on UE subscription data obtained from the third network element.

[0247] Optionally, the second network element receives UE subscription data sent by the third network element. Optionally, the UE subscription data is proactively sent by the third network element. Optionally, the UE subscription data is sent by the third network element after receiving a second request from the second network element, where the second request is used to request the UE subscription data.

[0248] In some embodiments, the second network element determines the first operation in a manner similar to the manner in which the first network element determines the first operation.

[0249] In some optional embodiments, before step S2105, the method may further include: the second network element determining whether the service link is available.

[0250] In some optional embodiments, the second network element determines whether the service link is available based on the first information, where the first information includes coverage availability information.

[0251] Optionally, the manner in which the second network element determines whether the service link is available based on the first information is similar to the manner in which the first network element determines whether the service link is available based on the first information.

[0252] In some optional embodiments, the second network element determines whether the service link is available according to a paging condition of the paging message.

[0253] Optionally, the second network element determines that the service link is available according to a paging success of the paging message.

[0254] Optionally, the second network element determines that the service link is unavailable according to a paging failure of the paging message.

[0255] Exemplarily, the second network element sends a paging message to the terminal. If the paging is successful to the terminal, it is determined that the service link is available; or if the paging is unsuccessful to the terminal, it is determined that the service link is unavailable.

[0256] Step S2106: The second network element sends a second confirmation message to the fourth network element.

[0257] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives a second confirmation message sent by the second network element.

[0258] Optionally, the second network element sends the second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element. Exemplarily, the second network element sends the second confirmation message to the first network element, and the first network element sends the second confirmation message to the fourth network element.

[0259] Optionally, the fourth network element receives the geothermal confirmation message sent by the second network element through the first network element. Exemplarily, the fourth network element receives the second confirmation message sent by the first network element, where the second confirmation message is received by the first network element from the second network element.

[0260] In some optional embodiments, the second network element sends a second confirmation message to the first network element.

[0261] In some optional embodiments, the first network element receives a second confirmation message sent by the second network element.

[0262] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second network element sends the fifth indication information and / or the third indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element.

[0263] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second network element sends a second suspension reason indication to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element.

[0264] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second network element sends the fifth indication information and / or the fourth indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element.

[0265] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second network element sends a second failure cause indication to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element.

[0266] In some optional embodiments, the second network element stores the downlink data.

[0267] Optionally, the second network element stores downlink data sent by the fourth network element.

[0268] Optionally, the second network element stores the downlink data sent by the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0269] Optionally, the second network element stores the downlink data when the fourth network element provides the downlink data through the control plane and the service link is unavailable.

[0270] Exemplarily, the fourth network element sends downlink data to the second network element via the first network element; if the second network element determines that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, it stores the downlink data. Here, the fourth network element sending downlink data to the second network element via the first network element can be: the fourth network element sends downlink data to the first network element, and the first network element sends downlink data to the second network element.

[0271] In some optional embodiments, the second network element performs security protection on the downlink data.

[0272] Optionally, performing security includes: performing confidentiality encryption and / or performing integrity protection. Here, performing confidentiality encryption may use any confidentiality encryption algorithm; performing integrity protection may use any integrity protection algorithm.

[0273] Optionally, the second network element performs security protection on the downlink data when a NAS connection is established between the terminal and the second network element.

[0274] Optionally, the second network element sends the security-protected downlink data to the terminal when the service link is available. For example, the second network element sends the security-protected downlink data to the terminal via a NAS connection.

[0275] In some optional embodiments, the second network element sends a third notification to the access network device, where the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0276] Optionally, when the third notification sent by the second network element to the access network is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the third notification is used for the access network device to store downlink data.

[0277] Optionally, the name of the third notification is not limited, and it may be, for example, a terminal authorization indication or a store and forward function indication.

[0278] Step S2107: The access network device stores the downlink data.

[0279] In some embodiments, the access network device receives a third notification sent by the second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and stores downlink data when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0280] Optionally, the access network device may determine whether the service link is available based on the ephemeris information; or, the access network device may determine whether the service link is available based on the fifth indication information, the sixth indication information, the second suspension reason indication and / or the second failure reason indication sent by the first network element.

[0281] Optionally, the way in which the access network device determines whether the service link is available based on the ephemeris information is similar to the way in which the first network element or the second network element determines whether the service link is available based on the ephemeris information.

[0282] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0283] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0284] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0285] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0286] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0287] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2107. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2101 and step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2101, step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2103 and step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2104 and step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The steps of step S2101 to step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2104, step S2105 and step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2105 and step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2105, step S2106 and step S2107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2104, step S2105 and step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2105, step S2106 and step S2107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2101 to step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S2101 to step S2107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0288] In some embodiments, step S2101 and step S2103 to step S2107 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0289] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2104 and steps S2106 to S2107 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0290] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2102 and steps S2105 to S2107 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0291] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2105 and step S2107 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0292] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0293] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2B , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method for an information processing system 100, and the method includes:

[0294] Step S2201: The fourth network element sends a first notification to the first network element.

[0295] The optional implementation of step S2201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] Step S2202: The first network element determines a first operation when the service link is unavailable.

[0297] The optional implementation of step S2202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] Step S2203: The first network element sends a second confirmation message to the fourth network element.

[0299] The optional implementation of step S2203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0300] Step S2204: The fourth network element sends a second notification to the second network element.

[0301] The optional implementation of step S2204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0302] Step S2205: The access network device stores the downlink data.

[0303] The optional implementation of step S2205 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0305] FIG2C is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method for an information processing system 100, the method comprising:

[0306] Step S2301: The fourth network element sends a first notification to the first network element.

[0307] The optional implementation of step S2301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0308] Step S2302: When the feeder link is unavailable, the first network element determines a first operation.

[0309] Optionally, the first network element determines the first operation when the feeder link is available and the service link is unavailable.

[0310] The optional implementation of step S2302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] Step S2303: The first network element sends a second notification to the second network element.

[0312] The optional implementation of step S2303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] Step S2304: When the service link is unavailable, the second network element determines a first operation.

[0314] The optional implementation of step S2304 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0315] Step S2305: The second network element sends a second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element.

[0316] The optional implementation of step S2305 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] Step S2306: The access network device stores the downlink data.

[0318] The optional implementation of step S2306 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0320] FIG2D is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2D , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method for a core network device, the method comprising:

[0321] Step S2401: The core network device sends a third notification to the access network device, where the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0322] The optional implementation of step S2401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] Step S2402: The access network device stores downlink data when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0324] The optional implementation of step S2402 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0325] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0326] FIG3A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0327] Step S3101, obtain the first notification.

[0328] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the first notification sent by the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the first notification sent by other entities.

[0330] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains a first notification specified by the protocol.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains the first notification from an upper layer(s).

[0332] In some embodiments, the first network element performs processing to obtain the first notification.

[0333] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the first notification, or the above function is default or by default.

[0334] Step S3102: determine the first operation.

[0335] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] Optionally, before step S3102, the first network element determines that the first link is unavailable.

[0337] Step S3103: Send a first confirmation message and / or a second confirmation message.

[0338] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first network element may send the first confirmation message and / or the second confirmation message to the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto, and the first confirmation message and / or the second confirmation message may also be sent to other entities.

[0340] Step S3104, sending a second notification.

[0341] Optionally, before step S3104, the first network element obtains the second notification.

[0342] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first network element may send the second notification to the second network element, but is not limited thereto and may also send the second notification to other entities.

[0344] In some optional embodiments, the first network element stores the downlink data when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0345] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3104. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S3101 and step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S3102 and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S3101, step S3102, and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S3101 to step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0346] In some embodiments, step S3101, step S3103 to step S3104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0347] In some embodiments, step S3101 and step S3102 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0348] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0349] FIG3B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0350] Step S3201: When a first link is unavailable, determine a first operation.

[0351] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in step S2102 in FIG. 2A , or the optional implementation of step S3102 in FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0352] In some embodiments, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0353] In some embodiments, determining the first operation includes at least one of the following: determining the first operation based on user equipment (UE) context information obtained from a second network element; wherein the UE context information is at least used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; determining the first operation based on UE context information stored in the first network element; and determining the first operation based on UE subscription data obtained from a third network element; wherein the UE subscription data is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0354] In some embodiments, before determining the first operation, the method further includes: determining whether the first link is available based on first information, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information.

[0355] In some embodiments, before determining whether the first link is available, the method further includes: receiving a first notification sent by a fourth network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first link is a feeder link, and the method further includes: sending a first confirmation message to the fourth network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; second indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is available; third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; timer information, used to indicate the start of a first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is determined based on the time when the feeder link is unavailable; a first pause reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a first failure reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0357] In some embodiments, sending a first confirmation message to the fourth network element includes one of the following: sending first indication information, third indication information and / or timer information to the fourth network element when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending timer information and / or a first pause reason indication to the fourth network element when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending first indication information and / or fourth indication information to the fourth network element when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and sending a first failure reason indication to the fourth network element when the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first link is a service link, and the method further includes: sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; a second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a second failure reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0359] In some embodiments, sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element includes one of the following: sending fifth indication information and / or third indication information to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending a second suspension reason indication to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending fifth indication information and / or fourth indication information to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and sending a second failure reason indication to the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0360] In some embodiments, the method also includes at least one of the following: storing downlink data sent by the fourth network element when the first link is unavailable; and sending a second notification to the second network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network; and / or, the second network element is deployed on a satellite; and / or, the third network element is an HSS; and / or, the fourth network element is an S-GW or a P-GW.

[0362] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0363] FIG3C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0364] Step S3301: When the feeder link is unavailable, determine a first operation.

[0365] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in step S2102 in Figure 2A, or the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] Step S3302: Send a first confirmation message to the fourth network element.

[0367] The optional implementation of step S3302 can be found in step S2103 in FIG. 2A or the optional implementation of step S3103 in FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0368] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0369] FIG3D is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0370] Step S3401: When the service link is unavailable, determine a first operation.

[0371] The optional implementation of step S3401 can be found in step S2102 in FIG. 2A , or the optional implementation of step S3102 in FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0372] Step S3402: Send a second confirmation message to the fourth network element.

[0373] The optional implementation of step S3402 can be found in step S2103 in FIG. 2A or the optional implementation of step S3103 in FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0374] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0375] FIG4A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a second network element. The method includes:

[0376] Step S4101, obtain the second notification.

[0377] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0378] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the second notification sent by the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the second notification sent by other entities. Optionally, the second network element receives the second notification sent by the first network element.

[0379] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains a second notification specified by the protocol.

[0380] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains the second notification from upper layer(s).

[0381] In some embodiments, the second network element performs processing to obtain the second notification.

[0382] In some embodiments, step S4101 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the second notification, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0383] Step S4102: determine the first operation.

[0384] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0385] In some optional embodiments, before step S4102, the method further includes: the second network element determining that the service link is unavailable.

[0386] Step S4103: Send a second confirmation message.

[0387] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0388] In some embodiments, the first network element may send the second notification to the second network element, but is not limited thereto and may also send the second notification to other entities.

[0389] Step S4104: store downlink data.

[0390] The optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to the optional implementation of storing downlink data in step S2106 of Figure 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0391] In an optional embodiment, the second network element performs security protection on the downlink data. Optionally, the second network element performs security protection on the downlink data when a non-access stratum (NAS) connection is established between the terminal and the second network element.

[0392] Step S4105: Send a third notification.

[0393] The optional implementation of step S4105 can refer to the optional implementation of sending the third notification to the access network device in step S2106 of Figure 2A, and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0394] In some embodiments, the second network element may send the third notification to the access network device, but is not limited thereto, and may also send the third notification to other entities.

[0395] The information processing method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4105. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4101 and step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4102 and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4101, step S4102 and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4103 and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. ; The combination of step S4103 and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4103, step S4104 and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4102, step S4103 and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4102, step S4103, step S4104 and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4101, step S4102, step S4103 and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S4101 to step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0396] In some embodiments, step S4101 and step S4103 to step S4105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0397] In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4102 and steps S4104 to S4105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0398] In some embodiments, step S4101, step S4104 to step S4105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0399] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0400] FIG4B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a second network element. The method includes:

[0401] Step S4201: When the service link is unavailable, determine a first operation.

[0402] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in step S2105 in FIG. 2A or the optional implementation of step S4102 in FIG. 4A , as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0403] In some embodiments, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0404] In some embodiments, determining the first operation includes at least one of the following: determining the first operation based on UE context information; wherein the UE context information is at least used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and determining the first operation based on UE subscription data obtained from a third network element; wherein the UE subscription data is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0405] In some embodiments, before determining the first operation, at least one of the following is included: determining whether the service link is available based on first information, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information; and determining whether the service link is available based on the paging situation of the paging message.

[0406] In some embodiments, before determining whether the service link is available, the method further includes: receiving a second notification sent by the fourth network element or the first network element, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0407] In some embodiments, the method also includes: sending a second confirmation message to the first network element; or, sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element; wherein the second confirmation information includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; a second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a second failure reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0408] In some embodiments, sending a second confirmation message to the first network element or sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element includes one of the following: sending fifth indication information and / or third indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending a second suspension reason indication to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; sending fifth indication information and / or fourth indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and sending a second failure reason indication to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0409] In some embodiments, the method further includes: storing the downlink data sent by the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0410] In some embodiments, when the service link is unavailable, storing downlink data sent by the fourth network element includes: storing the downlink data when the fourth network element provides the downlink data through the control plane and the service link is unavailable.

[0411] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when a NAS connection is established between the terminal and the second network element, performing security protection on the downlink data.

[0412] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a third notification to the access network device, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0413] In some embodiments, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network; and / or, the second network element is deployed on a satellite; and / or, the third network element is an HSS; and / or, the fourth network element is an S-GW or a P-GW.

[0414] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0415] FIG4C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0416] Step S4301: Receive a second notification sent by a fourth network element.

[0417] The optional implementation of step S4301 can be found in step S2104 in FIG. 2A , or the optional implementation of step S4101 in FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be repeated here.

[0418] Step S4302: When the service link is unavailable, determine a first operation.

[0419] The optional implementation of step S4302 can be found in step S2105 in FIG. 2A , or the optional implementation of step S4102 in FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0420] Step S4303: Send a second confirmation message to the fourth network element.

[0421] The optional implementation of step S4303 can be found in step S2106 in FIG. 2A , or the optional implementation of step S4103 in FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0422] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0423] FIG4D is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes:

[0424] Step S4401: When the service link is unavailable, determine a first operation.

[0425] The optional implementation of step S4401 can be found in step S2105 in FIG. 2A or the optional implementation of step S4102 in FIG. 4A , as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0426] Step S4402: store downlink data.

[0427] The optional implementation method of step S4402 can refer to the optional implementation method of storing downlink data in step S2106 in Figure 2A, or the optional implementation method of step S4104 in Figure 4A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0428] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0429] FIG5A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a fourth network element. The method includes:

[0430] Step S5101, sending a first notification.

[0431] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0432] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may send the second notification to the first network element, but is not limited thereto and may also send the first notification to other entities.

[0433] Step S5102: Obtain a first confirmation message.

[0434] The optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0435] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the first confirmation message sent by the first network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the first confirmation message sent by other entities.

[0436] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains a first confirmation message specified by the protocol.

[0437] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains the first confirmation message from an upper layer(s).

[0438] In some embodiments, the fourth network element performs processing to obtain the first confirmation message.

[0439] In some embodiments, step S5102 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the first confirmation message, or the above function is default or by default.

[0440] In some optional embodiments, the fourth network element receives a second confirmation message from the first network element; the second confirmation message is determined by the first network element based on the first notification.

[0441] Step S5103: Send a second notification.

[0442] The optional implementation of step S5103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0443] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may send the second notification to the second network element, but is not limited thereto and may also send the second notification to other entities.

[0444] Step S5104: Obtain a second confirmation message.

[0445] Optionally, the second confirmation message is determined by the second network element based on the second notification, or the second confirmation message is determined by the first network element based on the first notification.

[0446] The optional implementation of step S5104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0447] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the second confirmation message sent by the second network element or the first network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the second confirmation message sent by other entities.

[0448] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains a second confirmation message specified by the protocol.

[0449] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains the second confirmation message from an upper layer(s).

[0450] In some embodiments, the fourth network element performs processing to obtain the second confirmation message.

[0451] In some embodiments, step S5104 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the second confirmation message, or the above function is default or by default.

[0452] Step S5105: store downlink data.

[0453] The optional implementation of step S5105 can refer to the optional implementation of storing downlink data in step S2106 of Figure 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0454] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5105. For example, step S5101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S5104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S5105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S5101 and step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S5103 and step S5104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S5103, step S5104, and step S5105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S5101 and step S5102 and step S5103 and step S5104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S5101 to step S5105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0455] In some embodiments, steps S5103 to S5105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0456] In some embodiments, step S5101, step S5102, and step S5105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0457] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0458] FIG5B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a fourth network element. The method includes:

[0459] Step S5201: Send a first notification to a first network element.

[0460] The optional implementation of step S5201 can be found in step S2101 in FIG. 2A , or the optional implementation of step S5101 in FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0461] In some embodiments, the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent; the first notification is used by the first network element to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable, wherein determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; wherein the first link is: a feeder link between the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0462] In some embodiments, the method also includes: receiving a first confirmation message sent by the first network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; second indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is available; third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; timer information, used to indicate the start of a first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is determined based on the time when the feeder link is unavailable; a first pause reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a first failure reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0463] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when it is determined that the feeder link is available, sending a second notification and / or downlink data to the second network element through the first network element; wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

[0464] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of: determining that the feeder link is available based on expiration of a first timer; determining that the feeder link is available based on second indication information included in the received first confirmation message; and determining that the feeder link is available based on coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information indicating that the feeder link is available.

[0465] In some embodiments, the method also includes: receiving a second confirmation message sent by the first network element or receiving a second network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; a second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a second failure reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0466] In some embodiments, the first network element is deployed in a terrestrial network; and / or, the second network element is deployed on a satellite; and / or, the third network element is an HSS; and / or, the fourth network element is an S-GW or a P-GW.

[0467] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0468] FIG5C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a fourth network element. The method includes:

[0469] Step S5301: Send a first notification to a first network element.

[0470] The optional implementation of step S5301 can be found in step S2101 in Figure 2A, or the optional implementation of step S5101 in Figure 5A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0471] Step S5302: Receive a first confirmation message sent by the first network element.

[0472] The optional implementation of step S5302 can be found in step S2103 in FIG. 2A , or the optional implementation of step S5102 in FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0473] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0474] FIG5D is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by a fourth network element. The method includes:

[0475] Step S5401: Send a second notification to the second network element.

[0476] The optional implementation of step S5401 can be found in step S2104 in FIG. 2A or the optional implementation of step S5103 in FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0477] Step S5402: Receive a second confirmation message sent by the second network element.

[0478] The optional implementation of step S5402 can be found in step S2106 in FIG. 2A or the optional implementation of step S5104 in FIG. 5A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0479] The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination with each other. For optional implementations, please refer to the optional implementations of the steps in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0480] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which is executed by an access network device. The method includes:

[0481] Step S6101, obtain the third notification.

[0482] Optionally, the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function;

[0483] The optional implementation method of step S6101 can be found in the optional implementation method of receiving the third notification sent by the second network element in step S2106 of Figure 2A, and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0484] Step S6102: store downlink data.

[0485] The optional implementation of step S6102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0486] Optionally, the access network device stores the downlink data when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0487] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of step S6101 and step S6102. For example, step S6101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S6102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; or a combination of step S6101 and step S6102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0488] In some embodiments, step S6101 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0489] In some embodiments, step S6102 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0490] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0491] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the information processing system includes: a UE, a satellite (SAT), an MME agent, and an S-GW. The UE is the terminal in the previous embodiment; the SAT includes an access network device and an MME; the access network device can be a base station (eNB).

[0492] In some embodiments, the MME (also referred to as a non-terrestrial MME (MME-NT)) is deployed on a satellite.

[0493] Optionally, the MME stores the UE context information and synchronizes the UE context information to the MME agent.

[0494] Optionally, the MME performs uplink data decryption and / or integrity verification, and / or performs downlink data encryption and / or integrity verification.

[0495] In some embodiments, an MME agent (also referred to as a terrestrial MME (MME-T)) is deployed in a terrestrial network.

[0496] Optionally, the MME agent stores UE context information.

[0497] Optionally, the MME agent determines the state of the feeder link. Here, the state of the feeder link may refer to the available or unavailable state in the previous embodiment.

[0498] Optionally, the MME agent determines whether the UE is authorized to perform a store and forward operation. Here, the store and forward operation may be the data storage and forwarding function in the previous implementation example.

[0499] FIG7B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0500] During service operation, the feeder link between the MME and the MME agent becomes unavailable.

[0501] Step S7101: The P-GW sends downlink data to the S-GW.

[0502] Optionally, when the S-GW receives a downlink data packet or control signaling for the UE, the S-GW buffers the downlink data packet and identifies which MME agent serves the UE.

[0503] Step S7102: The S-GW sends a downlink data notification to the MME agent.

[0504] Optionally, the downlink data notification is the first notification in the previous embodiment.

[0505] Step S7103: When the MME agent determines that the feeder link is unavailable, the MME agent checks the UE authorization.

[0506] Optionally, once the MME agent receives the downlink data notification, it determines the status of the feeder link through the satellite's coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information, that is, determines whether the feeder link is available.

[0507] Optionally, if the MME agent determines that the feeder link is unavailable, it checks UE authorization, that is, determines whether the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; the UE is the terminal in the previous embodiment.

[0508] Optionally, the MME proxy checks UE authorization via the UE context provided by the MME or stored by the MME itself.

[0509] Optionally, the MME agent obtains UE subscription data by interacting with the HSS, and checks UE authorization based on the subscription data.

[0510] Step S7104: The MME agent sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the S-GW.

[0511] Optionally, the downlink data notification acknowledgment (downlink data notification ack) may be the first acknowledgment message in the previous embodiment.

[0512] Optionally, when the feeder link is unavailable and the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the MME agent sends a downlink data notification to the S-GW to indicate a back-off timer and a suspension reason. Here, the back-off timer may be the first timer indicated in the timer information in the previous embodiment; the suspension reason may be the first suspension reason indication in the previous embodiment.

[0513] Optionally, when the feeder link is unavailable and the UE is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the MME agent sends a downlink data notification to the S-GW to indicate the failure cause. Here, the failure cause may be the first failure cause indication in the previous embodiment.

[0514] Step S7105: The S-GW and / or P-GW stores the downlink data.

[0515] Optionally, if the S-GW and / or P-GW receives the back-off timer, it stores the downlink data.

[0516] A feeder link between the MME and the MME Proxy becomes available.

[0517] Step S7106: The S-GW sends a downlink data notification to the MME.

[0518] Optionally, if the S-GW determines that the backoff timer has expired, or based on the MME proxy notifying the S-GW that the feeder link is available, or based on the S-GW's ability to detect that the feeder link is available, the S-GW sends a downlink data notification to the MME via the MME proxy. Here, the S-GW sends the downlink data notification to the MME via the MME proxy, which may be: the S-GW sends the downlink data notification to the MME proxy, and the MME proxy forwards the downlink data notification to the MME; the downlink data notification may be the second notification in the previous embodiment.

[0519] Step S7107: When the serving link is unavailable, the MME checks the UE authorization.

[0520] Optionally, upon receiving the downlink data notification, the MME determines the status of the service link based on the coverage availability information. Determining the status of the service link means determining whether the service link is available.

[0521] Optionally, if the MME determines that the serving link is unavailable, it checks the UE authorization through the UE context.

[0522] Step S7108: The MME sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the S-GW.

[0523] Optionally, the downlink data notification confirmation may be the second confirmation message in the previous embodiment.

[0524] Optionally, when the serving link is unavailable and the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the MME sends a second confirmation message to the S-GW.

[0525] Optionally, when the service link is available, the MME sends a second confirmation message to the S-GW.

[0526] Optionally, when the service link is unavailable or the UE is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the MME sends a second confirmation message to the S-GW. Here, the second confirmation message includes a failure cause, which may be the second failure cause indication in the previous embodiment.

[0527] The following steps S7109A to S7113A are performed in the control plane cellular internet of things (CIoT).

[0528] Step S7109A: The S-GW sends downlink data to the MME.

[0529] Optionally, the S-GW sends downlink data to the MME on the SAT through the MME agent; if the service link is unavailable, the MME stores the downlink data.

[0530] Step S7110A: The MME sends a paging request to the UE through the access network device.

[0531] Optionally, when a service link is available, the MME sends a paging request to the UE through an access network device (eg, an eNB).

[0532] In step S7111A, the UE sends a service request to the MME through the access network device.

[0533] In step S7112A, the MME performs security protection on the downlink data.

[0534] Optionally, the MME uses NAS security to protect downlink data when a NAS connection between the UE and the MME is securely established.

[0535] Step S7113A: The MME sends downlink data to the UE.

[0536] Optionally, the MME sends downlink data to the UE by using a NAS message.

[0537] The following steps S7109B to S7113B are performed in the user plane CIoT process.

[0538] Step S7109B: The MME sends the UE's authorization status to the access network device.

[0539] Optionally, the MME sends an S1-AP message to the access device (e.g., eNB) for user plane activation. The MME also notifies the access network device of the UE's authorization status. Here, the UE's authorization status refers to whether the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. For example, the MME may notify the access network device of the UE's authorization status via the third notification in the previous embodiment.

[0540] Step S7110B: MME activates the S1-U bearer.

[0541] Optionally, the access network device sends a UE Context Resume Request message to the MME to reactivate the S1-U bearer; the MME requests the S-GW to reactivate the S1-U bearer for the UE.

[0542] Step S7111B: The S-GW sends downlink data to the access network device.

[0543] Optionally, the access network device sends downlink data to the base station; if the service link is unavailable, the access network device stores the downlink data.

[0544] Step S7112B: The access network device sends a paging request to the UE.

[0545] Optionally, when determining that the service link is available, the access network device sends a paging request to the UE.

[0546] Step S7113B: The UE establishes an RRC connection with the base station.

[0547] Step S7114B: The access network device sends downlink data to the UE.

[0548] Optionally, the access network device provides downlink data to the UE via AS security protection.

[0549] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0550] FIG7C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0551] During service operation, a feeder link between the MME and the MME agent is available.

[0552] Step S7201: The P-GW sends downlink data to the S-GW.

[0553] Optionally, when the S-GW receives a downlink data packet or control signaling for the UE, the S-GW buffers the downlink data packet and identifies which MME agent serves the UE.

[0554] Step S7202: The S-GW sends a downlink data notification to the MME agent.

[0555] Optionally, the downlink data notification is the first notification in the previous embodiment.

[0556] Step S7203: When the MME agent determines that the service link is unavailable, the MME agent checks the UE authorization.

[0557] Optionally, once the MME agent receives the downlink data notification, it determines the status of the service link through the ephemeris information, that is, determines whether the service link is available.

[0558] Optionally, if the MME agent determines that the service link is unavailable, it checks UE authorization, that is, determines whether the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; the UE is the terminal in the previous embodiment.

[0559] Optionally, the MME proxy checks UE authorization via the UE context provided by the MME or stored by the MME itself.

[0560] Optionally, the MME agent obtains UE subscription data by interacting with the HSS, and checks UE authorization based on the subscription data.

[0561] Step S7204: The MME agent sends a downlink data notification to the MME.

[0562] Optionally, the downlink data notification may be the second notification in the previous embodiment.

[0563] Step S7205: The MME sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the MME proxy.

[0564] Optionally, the downlink data notification acknowledgment (downlink data notification ack) may be the second acknowledgment message in the previous embodiment.

[0565] Step S7206: The MME agent sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the S-GW.

[0566] Optionally, the MME agent sends a downlink data notification to the S-GW when the serving link is unavailable and the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0567] Optionally, when the serving link is unavailable and the UE is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the MME agent sends a downlink data notification to the S-GW to indicate the failure cause. Here, the failure cause may be the second failure cause indication in the previous embodiment.

[0568] The following steps S7207A to S7211A are performed in the control plane CIoT.

[0569] Step S7107A: The S-GW sends downlink data to the MME.

[0570] Optionally, the S-GW sends downlink data to the MME on the SAT through the MME agent; if the service link is unavailable, the MME stores the downlink data.

[0571] Step S7108A: The MME sends a paging request to the UE through the access network device.

[0572] Optionally, when a service link is available, the MME sends a paging request to the UE through an access network device (eg, an eNB).

[0573] Step S7109A: The UE sends a service request to the MME through the access network device.

[0574] In step S7110A, the MME performs security protection on the downlink data.

[0575] Optionally, the MME uses NAS security to protect downlink data when a NAS connection between the UE and the MME is securely established.

[0576] Step S7111A: The MME sends downlink data to the UE.

[0577] Optionally, the MME sends downlink data to the UE by using a NAS message.

[0578] The following steps S7107B to S7112B are performed in the user plane CIoT process.

[0579] Step S7107B: The MME sends the UE's authorization status to the access network device.

[0580] Optionally, the MME sends an S1-AP message to the access device (e.g., eNB) for user plane activation. The MME also notifies the access network device of the UE's authorization status. Here, the UE's authorization status refers to whether the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. For example, the MME may notify the access network device of the UE's authorization status via the third notification in the previous embodiment.

[0581] Step S7108B: MME activates the S1-U bearer.

[0582] Optionally, the access network device sends a UE Context Resume Request message to the MME to reactivate the S1-U bearer; the MME requests the S-GW to reactivate the S1-U bearer for the UE.

[0583] Step S7109B: The S-GW sends downlink data to the access network device.

[0584] Optionally, the access network device sends downlink data to the base station; if the service link is unavailable, the access network device stores the downlink data.

[0585] Step S7110B: The access network device sends a paging request to the UE.

[0586] Optionally, when determining that the service link is available, the access network device sends a paging request to the UE.

[0587] Step S7111B: The UE establishes an RRC connection with the base station.

[0588] Step S7112B: The access network device sends downlink data to the UE.

[0589] Optionally, the access network device provides downlink data to the UE via AS security protection.

[0590] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished in order.

[0591] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0592] On the MME agent side:

[0593] In some embodiments, the MME proxy can determine that the feeder link is available.

[0594] In some embodiments, the MME agent can determine whether the UE is authorized to perform a store-and-forward operation when the feeder link is unavailable. Here, determining whether the UE is authorized to perform a store-and-forward operation means determining whether the UE is authorized to use the data store-and-forward function. The performing of the store-and-forward operation may be the first operation in the previous embodiment.

[0595] In some embodiments, the MME proxy can interact with the HSS to obtain UE subscription data.

[0596] In some embodiments, the MME proxy can provide a back-off timer to the S-GW in case the feeder link is unavailable.

[0597] In some embodiments, the MEM agent can inform the S-GW of the status of the feeder link.

[0598] On the MME side:

[0599] In some embodiments, the MME receives downlink data from the MME proxy and performs ciphering and / or integrity protection.

[0600] In some embodiments, the MME can determine whether the UE is authorized to perform a store and forward operation if the serving link is unavailable.

[0601] In some embodiments, the MME can store and forward downlink data of the UE when the serving link is unavailable.

[0602] In some embodiments, the MME can notify the access network device about the authorization status of the UE. Here, the authorization status of the UE refers to whether the UE is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0603] On the S-GW side:

[0604] In some embodiments, the S-GW can store the downlink data and / or uplink data of the authorized UE based on a backoff timer.

[0605] In some embodiments, the S-GW can initiate downlink data and / or downlink data notification based on a backoff timer or a status of a feeder line.

[0606] In some embodiments, if the S-GW can obtain the ephemeris information of the satellite, the S-GW can determine the status of the feeder link.

[0607] For access network equipment (such as base stations):

[0608] In some embodiments, the access network device can receive the authorization status of the UE from the MME and store the downlink data of the authorized UE when the service link is unavailable. Here, the authorized UE refers to the UE authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0609] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, and may also be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0610] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0611] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules are realized by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0612] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable, such as a hardware circuit implemented by a processor as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0613] Figure 8A is a structural diagram of the first network element 8100 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8A, the first network element 8100 includes: a first processing module 8101 and a first transceiver module 8102. In some embodiments, the first processing module 8101 is used to determine a first operation. Optionally, the first processing module is used to perform processing steps (for example, steps such as step S2102, but not limited thereto). In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 8102 is used to receive a first notification. Optionally, the above-mentioned first transceiver module 8102 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (for example, steps such as step S2101 and / or step S2103, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0614] Figure 8B is a structural diagram of the second network element 8200 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8B, the second network element 8200 includes: a second processing module 8201 and a second transceiver module 8202. In some embodiments, the second processing module 8201 is used to determine the first operation. The above-mentioned second processing module 8201 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (such as step S2105 and other steps, but not limited to this) performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned second transceiver module 8202 is used to receive a second notification. Optionally, the above-mentioned second transceiver module 8202 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (such as step S2104 and / or step S2106 and other steps, but not limited to this) performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0615] Figure 8C is a structural diagram of the fourth network element 8300 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8C, the fourth network element 8300 includes: a third transceiver module 8301 and a third processing module 8302. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 8301 is used to send the first notification and / or the second notification. Optionally, the third transceiver module 8301 is used to perform at least one of the steps of sending and / or receiving (such as step S2101, step S2103, step S2104 and / or step S2106, but not limited to these) performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the third processing module 8302 is used to determine whether the service link is available. The third processing module 8302 is used to perform at least one of the steps of processing performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0616] Figure 8D is a structural diagram of the access network device 8400 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8D, the access network device 8400 includes: a fourth transceiver module 8401 and a fourth processing module 8402. In some embodiments, the fourth transceiver module 8401 is used to receive a third notification. Optionally, the fourth transceiver module 8401 is used to perform at least one of the steps of sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the fourth processing module 8402 is used to store downlink data. The fourth processing module 8402 is used to perform at least one of the steps of processing performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0617] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module and the transceiver may be interchangeable. Exemplarily, the first transceiver module includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. Exemplarily, the second transceiver module includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0618] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0619] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 9100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 9100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal, etc., or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods. It can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 9100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0620] As shown in Figure 9A, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 9100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 9101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0621] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9102. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9102, the transceiver 9102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or step S2103 and / or step S2104 and / or step S2106, but not limited thereto), and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2102 and / or step S2105 and / or step S2107, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0622] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 9103 may be located outside the communication device 9100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 9100 may include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuits 9104 are connected to the memories 9103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 9103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 9103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9104 may read data stored in the memories 9103 and send the data to the processor 9101.

[0623] [Corrected 26.02.2024 according to Rule 91] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may not be limited to FIG. 9A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0624] 9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 9200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 9200 shown in FIG9B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0625] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201. The chip 9200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0626] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 9203 may be located external to chip 9200. Optionally, interface circuit 9202 is connected to memory 9203 and may be used to receive data from memory 9203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 may read data stored in memory 9203 and send the data to processor 9201.

[0627] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2103 and / or S2104 and / or S2106, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 9202 performing the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above method, for example, means that the interface circuit 9202 performs data exchange between the processor 9201, chip 9200, memory 9203, or transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2102 and / or S2105 and / or S2107, but not limited thereto).

[0628] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0629] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0630] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 9100, enables the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0631] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that: Executed by the first network element, including: In the case where the first link is unavailable, determining a first operation; wherein determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining of the first operation includes at least one of the following: Determining the first operation based on UE context information obtained from the second network element; wherein the UE context information is at least used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; Determining the first operation based on the UE context information stored by the first network element; The first operation is determined based on UE subscription data obtained from a third network element; wherein the UE subscription data is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Before determining the first operation, the method further includes: Based on first information, it is determined whether the first link is available, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that Before determining whether the first link is available, the method further includes: Receive a first notification sent by a fourth network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first link is the feeder link, and the method further includes: Sending a first confirmation message to the fourth network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: First indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; Second indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is available; third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; Timer information, used to instruct to start a first timer, where the timing duration of the first timer is determined based on the time during which the feeder link is unavailable; a first suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The first failure cause indication is used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The sending a first confirmation message to the fourth network element includes one of the following: When the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the first indication information, the third indication information and / or the timer information to the fourth network element; In a case where the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the timer information and / or the first suspension reason indication to the fourth network element; When the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the first indication information and / or the fourth indication information to the fourth network element; In a case where the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first failure cause indication is sent to the fourth network element.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first link is a service link, and the method further includes: Sending a second confirmation message to the fourth network element, where the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; Sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; a second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The second failure reason indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The sending the second confirmation message to the fourth network element includes one of the following: When the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the fifth indication information and / or the third indication information to the fourth network element; If the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the second suspension reason indication to the fourth network element; When the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the fifth indication information and / or the fourth indication information to the fourth network element; In a case where the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second failure cause indication is sent to the fourth network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of the following: When the first link is unavailable, storing downlink data sent by the fourth network element; In a case where the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, a second notification is sent to a second network element, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The first network element is deployed in a ground network; and / or, The second network element is deployed on the satellite; and / or, The third network element is the home subscriber server HSS; and / or, The fourth network element is a serving gateway S-GW or a packet data network gateway P-GW.

11. An information processing method, characterized in that: The method is executed by the second network element and includes: In a case where a service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable, determining a first operation; wherein determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The determining of the first operation includes at least one of the following: Determining the first operation based on UE context information; wherein the UE context information is at least used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The first operation is determined based on UE subscription data obtained from a third network element; wherein the UE subscription data is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that Before determining the first operation, at least one of the following is included: determining whether the service link is available based on first information, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information; Whether the service link is available is determined according to the paging condition of the paging message.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that Before determining whether the service link is available, the method further includes: Receive a second notification sent by the fourth network element or the first network element, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a second confirmation message to the first network element; or, Sending a second confirmation message to a fourth network element through the first network element; The second confirmation information includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; Sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; a second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The second failure reason indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The sending the second confirmation message to the first network element or sending the second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element includes one of the following: When the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the fifth indication information and / or the third indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element; If the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the second suspension reason indication to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element; When the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, sending the fifth indication information and / or the fourth indication information to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element; In a case where the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second failure cause indication is sent to the first network element or to the fourth network element through the first network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: In a case where the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the downlink data sent by the fourth network element is stored.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The storing, when the service link is unavailable, downlink data sent by the fourth network element includes: In a case where the fourth network element provides downlink data through a control plane and the service link is unavailable, the downlink data is stored.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: When a non-access stratum (NAS) connection is established between the terminal and the second network element, security protection is performed on the downlink data.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: A third notification is sent to the access network device, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that The first network element is deployed in the ground network; and / or, The second network element is deployed on a satellite; and / or, The third network element is the home subscriber server HSS; and / or, The fourth network element is a serving gateway S-GW or a packet data network gateway P-GW.

22. An information processing method, characterized in that: Executed by the fourth network element, including: Sending a first notification to a first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent; the first notification is used by the first network element to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable, wherein the determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use a data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a first confirmation message sent by the first network element, where the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: First indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; Second indication information, used to indicate that the feeder link is available; third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; Timer information, used to instruct to start a first timer, where the timing duration of the first timer is determined based on the time during which the feeder link is unavailable; a first suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The first failure cause indication is used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: When it is determined that the feeder link is available, a second notification and / or downlink data is sent to the second network element through the first network element; wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of the following: Based on expiration of a first timer, determining that the feeder link is available; Determining that the feeder link is available based on the second indication information included in the received first confirmation message; The feeder link is determined to be available based on the coverage availability information and / or the ephemeris information indicating that the feeder link is available.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a second confirmation message sent by the first network element or the second network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; Sixth indication information, used to indicate that the service link is available; a second suspension reason indication, used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The second failure reason indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that The first network element is deployed in the ground network; and / or, The second network element is deployed on the satellite; and / or, The third network element is the home subscriber server HSS; and / or, The fourth network element is a serving gateway S-GW or a packet data network gateway P-GW.

28. An information processing method, characterized in that: Executed by access network equipment, including: receiving a third notification sent by the second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; In a case where a service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the downlink data is stored.

29. A first network element, characterized in that: include: The first processing module is configured to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable; wherein the determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

30. A second network element, characterized in that: include: The second processing module is configured to determine a first operation when a service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable; wherein, determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

31. A fourth network element, characterized in that: include: The third transceiver module is configured to send a first notification to the first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent; the first notification is used by the first network element to determine a first operation when the first link is unavailable, wherein the determining the first operation includes: determining that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The first link is: a feeder link between a satellite and a ground station, and / or a service link between a satellite and a terminal.

32. An access network device, characterized in that: include: a fourth transceiver module, configured to receive a third notification sent by the second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fourth processing module is configured to store the downlink data when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The communication device is used to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or claims 11 to 21, or claims 22 to 27, or claim 28.

34. A communication system, characterized in that include: A first network element, a second network element, a fourth network element and / or an access network device; wherein the first network element is configured to implement the processing method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the second network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 11 to 21, the fourth network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 22 to 27, and / or the access network device is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claim 28.

35. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or claims 11 to 21, or claims 22 to 27, or claim 28.

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