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 methods, network elements, access network equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information processing method, network element, access network equipment, communication system, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, satellite communication technology has been introduced, which allows terminals to communicate via satellite access networks. Regarding satellite access networks, the availability of feeder links between the satellite and ground stations and / or service links between the satellite and the terminal needs to be considered.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to address the issue of terminal authorization in satellite communication when the link is unavailable.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a first network element, comprising: 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 the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a second network element, comprising: determining a first operation when the 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.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a fourth network element, comprising: sending a first notification to a first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being transmitted; the first notification is used by the first network element 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.

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

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network element is proposed, comprising: 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 a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second network element is proposed, comprising: 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 data storage and forwarding functions, or determining that the terminal is not authorized to use data storage and forwarding functions.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth network element is proposed, comprising: a third transceiver module configured to send a first notification to a first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being transmitted; the first notification is used by the first network element 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.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided, comprising: a fourth transceiver module and a fourth processing module; wherein the fourth transceiver module is configured to receive a third notification sent by a second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether a terminal is authorized to use data storage and forwarding functions; and 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 data storage and forwarding functions.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to perform an optional implementation of 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 a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising: 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 perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the fourth network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, and / or the access network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0016] This disclosure enables the determination of UE authorization in the event that a link is unavailable in satellite communications. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2D is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3B is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3C is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3D is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4C is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4D is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5A is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5B is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5C is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5D is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7B is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7C is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8D is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0045] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0046] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method, executed by a first network element, comprising: 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 embodiments, in satellite communication, when the service link and / or feeder link are unavailable, the first network element (e.g., MME agent or terrestrial 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 to the terminal; or if the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element does not need to provide storage and forwarding services to the terminal. In this way, by accurately determining whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, it can be clearly determined whether the first network element provides services to the terminal, thereby reducing the possibility of attackers maliciously exhausting the resources of core network equipment (e.g., the first network element).

[0048] In conjunction 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 a second network element; wherein the UE context information is used at least 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 a 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.

[0049] In the above embodiments, multiple methods are used to determine whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, thereby adapting to more application scenarios.

[0050] In conjunction 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 embodiments, the availability of the first link can be accurately determined by covering availability information and / or ephemeris information, that is, whether the service link and / or feeder link are available, thereby facilitating the determination of whether to perform UE authorization checks and / or whether to send downlink data.

[0052] In conjunction 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 transmitted.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the availability of feeder links and / or service links can be determined by receiving downlink data notifications from 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 are unavailable.

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

[0055] In the above embodiments, the first network element can send the detection result of whether the feeder link is available, the reason for its unavailability, the timer information corresponding to the unavailability of the feeder link, 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.

[0056] In conjunction 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: sending a first indication message, a third indication message, 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 a first indication message and / or a fourth indication message 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.

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

[0058] In the above embodiments, the first network element can send the detection results of whether the service link is available, the reasons for its unavailability, and / or the results 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 the service link availability and / or the authorization status of the UE. Furthermore, this embodiment can also detect the availability of the service link through the first network element on the ground, thereby reducing the burden on the second network element on the satellite.

[0059] In conjunction 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 a fifth indication message and / or a third indication message 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 a fifth indication message and / or a fourth indication message 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 conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: storing downlink data sent by a fourth network element when the first link is unavailable; and sending a second notification to a second network element when the serving 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 has been sent.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the first network element stores downlink data when the first link is unavailable, which can reduce the occurrence of downlink data loss; and when the first link becomes available again, it can also send the downlink data to the terminal in a timely manner. And / or, 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 has been sent, which is beneficial for 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 data storage and forwarding functions.

[0062] In conjunction 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 (HSS); and / or, the fourth network element is a Severing Gateway (S-GW) or a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW).

[0063] Secondly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a second network element, comprising: determining 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.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the second network element (e.g., 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. This can clearly indicate whether the second network element is providing services to the terminal, thereby reducing the possibility of attackers maliciously exhausting the resources of the core network equipment (e.g., the second network element) on the satellite.

[0065] In conjunction 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 used at least 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 conjunction 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 status of the paging message.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the availability of a service link can be accurately determined by overlaying availability information; and / or, the availability of a service link can be accurately determined by sending a paging message to the terminal.

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

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a second confirmation message to a first network element; or, sending a second confirmation message to a 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.

[0070] In conjunction 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 a fifth indication message and / or a third indication message 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 a fifth indication message and / or a fourth indication message 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 conjunction 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 embodiments, 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. This can reduce the occurrence of downlink data loss and facilitate the timely transmission of downlink data to the terminal after the service link is restored.

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

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

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

[0076] In the above embodiments, downlink data can be protected for security, thereby reducing the risk of downlink data leakage.

[0077] In conjunction 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 embodiments, the information on whether a terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function can be sent to the access network device. This is beneficial for the access network device to 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 (such as attackers) that are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0079] In conjunction 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] Thirdly, this disclosure proposes an information processing method executed by a fourth network element, comprising: sending a first notification to a first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being transmitted; the first notification is used by the first network element 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 the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further 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 for indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; second indication information for indicating that the feeder link is available; third indication information for indicating that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information for indicating that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; timer information for indicating the start of a first timer, the duration of which is determined based on the time the feeder link is unavailable; a first pause reason indication for indicating 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 for indicating that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, 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 a second network element through a first network element; wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent.

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

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

[0085] In conjunction 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] Fourthly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by an access network device, comprising: 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; and storing 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.

[0087] In the above embodiments, 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 will not provide services to terminals that are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, thereby reducing the occurrence of the access network device resources being exhausted by terminals (such as attackers) that are not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0088] Furthermore, access network devices can store downlink data even when the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use data storage and forwarding functions. This reduces the risk of downlink data loss and facilitates the timely transmission of downlink data to the terminal once the service link is restored.

[0089] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a first network element, 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 the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal.

[0090] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose 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 a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a fourth network element, including: a third transceiver module configured to send a first notification to a first network element, wherein the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being transmitted; the first notification is used by the first network element 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.

[0092] Eighthly, this disclosure provides an access network device, including: a fourth transceiver module and a fourth processing module; wherein the fourth transceiver module is configured to receive a third notification sent by a second network element, wherein the third notification is used to indicate whether a terminal is authorized to use data storage and forwarding functions; and 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 data storage and forwarding functions.

[0093] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to perform an optional implementation of 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 a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: 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 perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the fourth network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, and / or the access network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0095] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first, second, third, fourth, or alternative implementations of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0096] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0097] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the information processing method as described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0098] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or alternative implementations of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0099] It is understood that the aforementioned network elements (such as the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, and / or the fourth network element, etc.), access network equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0100] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, terms such as "information processing method" and "communication method" are interchangeable, as are terms such as "information processing device" and "communication device," and terms such as "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0101] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular 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 particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0102] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be used interchangeably. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0103] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0104] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0105] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

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

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

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

[0109] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0110] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0111] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0112] In some embodiments, the terms “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 lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “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”.

[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”, “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 a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, 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," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can 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", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0117] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[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, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

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

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

[0121] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0122] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 100 may include: a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

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

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

[0125] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a communication system (e.g., 4G, 5G, or 6G communication system): evolved Node B (eNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

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

[0127] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0128] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, or a fourth network element, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, including all or part of the first and second devices mentioned above. The first and second devices may be network elements; network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

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

[0132] It is understood that the information processing system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0133] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the information processing system 100 shown in FIG1, or some of its components, but are not limited thereto. The components shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The information processing system may include all or some of the components in FIG1, or may include other components outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each component are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the components is illustrative. The components may not be connected to each other or may be connected in any way. The connection may be direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0134] The embodiments disclosed herein 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), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a 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, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0135] In some embodiments, satellite communication can define "transparent satellite payload" and "regenerative satellite payload." In the "regenerative satellite payload" scenario, the satellite supports radio network layer protocols. Because the satellite is processing the payload, it can store and forward information, and it can establish communication with neighboring satellites via inter-satellite links (ISL). This communication mode can also be referred to as store-and-forward satellite service operation.

[0136] In store-and-forward service operations, 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 simultaneously. 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 data from the core network (CN).

[0137] However, if UE authorization is not checked before performing store-and-forward service operations, SAT resources may be exhausted by attackers, and satellite access service will be interrupted. Therefore, how to authorize UEs to use store-and-forward service operations is currently of paramount importance.

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

[0139] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in 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 the terrestrial network. For example, the first network element can be an MME agent, a terrestrial MME (MME-T), or other network elements, entities, or functions capable of implementing mobility management in the terrestrial network. The name of the first network element is not limited.

[0143] Optionally, the fourth network element can be a gateway for the terrestrial network.

[0144] Optionally, the fourth network element can 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 a first notification to the S-GW, and the S-GW sends a 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 some downlink data.

[0149] Optionally, the downlink data can be data used for data storage and forwarding functions or data sent to the terminal. This downlink data can be any type of data.

[0150] Optionally, the name of the downlink data is not limited; it may 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 by the first network element to determine a first operation.

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

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

[0155] Optionally, the feeder link can be a link serving multiple terminals; the service link can be a link for each terminal. For example, the link between the satellite and each terminal can each constitute a service link; and a feeder link can 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 environment. Terminal authorization to use the data storage and forwarding function allows the terminal to use this store-and-forward service for business communication in a network that supports this feature.

[0158] Optionally, the name of the data storage and forwarding function is not limited, and may be, for example, "first function." Optionally, "first function" is used to indicate that the terminal can enable business communications such as storing and forwarding data.

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

[0160] Step S2102: The first network element determines the 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 at least one terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. A feeder link can correspond to multiple terminals; the at least one terminal can be one or more of these multiple terminals.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the 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 can be an MME or a non-terrestrial MME (MME-NT). Alternatively, the second network element can be a newly defined network element, entity, or function. Furthermore, the second network element can be a network element, entity, or function capable of implementing mobility management in a non-terrestrial network, etc. The name of this second network element is not limited.

[0168] Optionally, the UE context information is used at least to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the store-and-forward function. For example, the UE context information includes the terminal's capability information, which indicates whether the terminal is authorized to use the store-and-forward function or not. Alternatively, whether the terminal is authorized to use the store-and-forward function can be inferred from 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 may be sent after receiving a first request sent by the first network element, the first request being 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 the UE context information stored in the first network element.

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

[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 can be an HSS. The name of the third network element is not limited.

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

[0175] Optionally, the first network element receives UE subscription data sent by the third network element. Optionally, the UE subscription data is actively 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, the second request being used to request UE subscription data; if the second request includes a first identifier of the terminal, the third network element may also send only the UE subscription data of the terminal corresponding to the first identifier.

[0176] In some alternative 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] For example, coverage availability information is information related to both the satellite and the terminal. For instance, coverage availability information can be used to indicate whether a terminal is within the satellite's coverage area and to indicate the satellite's trajectory.

[0180] For example, ephemeris information is information related to a satellite. For instance, ephemeris information could be the satellite's position, velocity, and / or trajectory. Or, ephemeris information could be the satellite's time, coordinates, azimuth, and / or velocity-related information.

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

[0182] For example, if the first network element determines that its location is not within the coverage area of ​​the satellite, it determines that the feeder link is unavailable; or, if the first network element determines that its location is within the coverage area 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 coverage availability information.

[0184] For example, if the first network element determines that the terminal's location is not within the satellite's coverage area, it determines that the service link is unavailable; or, if the first network element determines that the terminal's location is within the satellite's coverage area, it determines that the service link is available.

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

[0186] In 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 a first confirmation message and / or a second confirmation message sent by the first network element.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a first acknowledgment 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 the downlink data transmission indicated by the first notification.

[0190] Optionally, the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: first instruction information, second instruction information, third instruction information, fourth instruction information, timer information, first pause 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 a terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. Alternatively, 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 a 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. Thus, the third indication information can be used to indicate that at least one terminal corresponding to a 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. Alternatively, 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. Thus, the fourth indication information can be used to indicate that at least one terminal corresponding to the first identifier is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function.

[0195] Optionally, the timer information is used to indicate the start of a first timer, the duration of which is determined based on the time the feeder link is unavailable. Optionally, the timer information can be used to indicate the duration of the first timer.

[0196] Optionally, the timer information is used for all terminals, or the timer information is used for each terminal. For example, the first timer is different for different terminals; the timing duration of the different first timers is different.

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

[0198] Optionally, the first pause 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 reason 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, if 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 pause reason indication to the fourth network element.

[0202] Optionally, if the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element may send a first indication message and / or a fourth indication message to the fourth network element.

[0203] Optionally, if 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 reason 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 may 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 the downlink data transmission indicated by the second notification.

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

[0209] Optionally, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that a service link is unavailable. Alternatively, 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 a 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. Alternatively, the sixth indication information is used to indicate that at least one service link is available. For example, a first field of the sixth indication information is used to indicate that at least one service link is available, and a 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 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.

[0213] Optionally, if the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element may send a fifth instruction message and / or a third instruction message to the fourth network element.

[0214] Optionally, if 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, if the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first network element may send a fifth instruction message and / or a fourth instruction message to the fourth network element.

[0216] Optionally, if 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 reason 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 pause reason indication, and the second failure reason indication can all be one or more bits, or one or more fields, etc.

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

[0221] In 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 a second notification to the second network element through the first network element. For example, the fourth network element sends a second notification to the first network element, and the first network element sends a second notification to the second network element. For example, the fourth network element sends 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.

[0224] Optionally, the second network element receives a second notification sent by the fourth network element through the first network element. For example, the second network element receives a 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 has been 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; the second notification is sent to the second network element.

[0227] Optionally, the second notification may include at least some 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 by the second network element to determine the first operation.

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

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

[0232] In some alternative 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 the expiration of the first timer.

[0234] For example, 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 the first timer expires.

[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] For example, the fourth network element receives a first confirmation message sent by the first network element; if the fourth network element determines that the first confirmation message includes 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 coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information indicating that the feeder link is available.

[0238] For example, the fourth network element can obtain coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information from other network elements, such as the first network element; 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 may 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 may 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 at least one terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function. The satellite can establish service links with at least one terminal; 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 third network element actively sends the UE subscription data. Optionally, the UE subscription data is sent by the third network element upon receiving a second request from the second network element, the second request being used to request UE subscription data.

[0248] In some embodiments, the way the second network element determines the first operation is similar to the way the first network element determines the first operation.

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

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

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

[0252] In some alternative embodiments, the second network element determines whether the service link is available based on the paging status of the paging message.

[0253] Optionally, the second network element determines that the service link is available based on the successful paging message.

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

[0255] For example, the second network element sends a paging message to the terminal. If the terminal is successfully paged, the service link is determined to be available; otherwise, if the terminal is not successfully paged, the service link is determined to be unavailable.

[0256] In 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 a second confirmation message to the fourth network element through the first network element. For example, the second network element sends a second confirmation message to the first network element, and the first network element sends a 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. For example, the fourth network element receives a second confirmation message sent by the first network element, which is received by the first network element from the second network element.

[0260] In some alternative 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 may send the fifth instruction information and / or the third instruction information to the first network element or through the first network element to the fourth network element.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0270] For example, the fourth network element sends downlink data to the second network element through 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, then it stores the downlink data. Here, the fourth network element sending downlink data to the second network element through the first network element can be: the fourth network element sending downlink data to the first network element, and the first network element sending downlink data to the second network element.

[0271] In some alternative embodiments, the second network element provides security protection for downlink data.

[0272] Optionally, security measures may include: performing confidentiality encryption and / or 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 provides security protection for downlink data when a NAS connection is established between the terminal and the second network element.

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

[0275] In some alternative embodiments, the second network element sends 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.

[0276] Optionally, when the third notification sent by the second network element to the access network is used to instruct the terminal to use the data storage and forwarding function, the third notification is used by 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 instruction or a store and forward function instruction.

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

[0279] In some embodiments, the access network device receives 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; and in the case where the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, downlink data is stored.

[0280] Optionally, the access network device may determine whether the service link is available based on 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 the access network device determines whether a service link is available based on ephemeris information is similar to the way the first network element or the second network element determines whether a service link is available based on ephemeris information.

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

[0283] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

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

[0285] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

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

[0287] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this 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; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101, S2102, and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2103 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2104 and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The following can be implemented as independent embodiments: Steps S2103, S2104, and S2105 can be implemented as independent embodiments; Steps S2105 and S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments; Steps S2104, S2105, and S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments; Steps S2105 and S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments; Steps S2105, S2106, and S2107 can be implemented as independent embodiments; Steps S2104, S2105, S2106, and S2107 can be implemented as independent embodiments; Steps S2101 to S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments; Steps S2101 to S2107 can be implemented as independent embodiments.

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

[0292] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0293] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in an information processing system 100, the method comprising:

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

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

[0296] Step S2202: When the service link is unavailable, the first network element determines the first operation.

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

[0298] In step S2203, the first network element sends a second confirmation message to the fourth network element.

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

[0300] In step S2204, the fourth network element sends a second notification to the second network element.

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

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

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

[0304] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0305] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2C, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in 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 be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

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

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

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

[0311] In step S2303, the first network element sends a second notification to the second network element.

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

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

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

[0315] In 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 be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

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

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

[0319] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0320] Figure 2D is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2D, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a core network device, the method comprising:

[0321] In step S2401, the core network device sends a third notification to the access network device. 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 be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

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

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

[0325] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0326] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0327] Step S3101: Obtain the first notification.

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

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

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

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

[0332] In some embodiments, the first network element processes the data 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 the default or default.

[0334] Step S3102: Determine the first operation.

[0335] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments 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 be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

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

[0340] Step S3104: Send the second notification.

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

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

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

[0344] In some alternative embodiments, the first network element stores 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 this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3104. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S3101 and S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S3102 and S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; and a combination of steps S3101 to S3104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

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

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

[0348] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0349] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network element, the method including:

[0350] Step S3201: If the first link is unavailable, determine the first operation.

[0351] Optional implementations of step S3201 can be found in step S2102 in Figure 2A or step S3102 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated 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 a first operation includes at least one of the following: determining a first operation based on user equipment (UE) context information obtained from a second network element; wherein the UE context information is used at least to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; determining a first operation based on UE context information stored in a first network element; and determining a 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, prior to 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 transmitted.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first link is a feeder link, and the method further includes: sending a first confirmation message to a fourth network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: a first indication information for indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; a second indication information for indicating that the feeder link is available; a third indication information for indicating that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; a fourth indication information for indicating that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; timer information for indicating the start of a first timer, the duration of which is determined based on the time the feeder link is unavailable; a first pause reason indication for indicating 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 for indicating 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 a first indication message, a third indication message, 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 a first indication message and / or a fourth indication message 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 serving link, and the method further includes: sending a second confirmation message to a fourth network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: a third indication information for indicating that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; a fourth indication information for indicating that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; a fifth indication information for indicating that the serving link is unavailable; a sixth indication information for indicating that the serving link is available; a second suspension reason indication for indicating that the serving link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and a second failure reason indication for indicating that the serving 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 a fifth indication message and / or a third indication message 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 a fifth indication message and / or a fourth indication message 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 further includes at least one of the following: storing downlink data sent by a fourth network element when the first link is unavailable; and sending a second notification to a second network element when the serving 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 has been 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 can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 3A, and will not be repeated here.

[0363] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0364] Step S3301: If the feeder link is unavailable, determine the 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, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

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

[0367] Optional implementations of step S3302 can be found in step S2103 in Figure 2A or step S3103 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0368] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 3A, and will not be repeated here.

[0369] Figure 3D is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3D, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

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

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

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

[0373] Optional implementations of step S3402 can be found in step S2103 in Figure 2A or step S3103 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0374] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 3A, and will not be repeated here.

[0375] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

[0376] Step S4101: Obtain the second notification.

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

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

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

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

[0381] In some embodiments, the second network element processes the data 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 defaulted or set to default.

[0383] Step S4102: Determine the first operation.

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

[0385] In some alternative embodiments, prior to step S4102, the method further includes: a 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 be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

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

[0389] Step S4104: Store the downlink data.

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

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

[0392] Step S4105: Send the third notification.

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

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

[0395] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this 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; a combination of steps S4101 and S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4102 and S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4101, S4102, and S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4103 and S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The combination of steps S4103 and S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4103, S4104 and S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4102, S4103 and S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4102, S4103, S4104 and S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4101 to S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

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

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

[0399] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0400] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

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

[0402] Optional implementations of step S4201 can be found in step S2105 in Figure 2A, or optional implementations of step S4102 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated 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 a first operation includes at least one of the following: determining a first operation based on UE context information, wherein the UE context information is used at least to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; and determining a 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, prior to determining the first operation, at least one of the following is included: determining whether a service link is available based on first information, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information; and determining whether a service link is available based on the paging status of a paging message.

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

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

[0409] In some embodiments, the method further includes: storing downlink data sent by a 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, storing downlink data sent by the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable includes: storing downlink data when the fourth network element provides downlink data through the control plane and the service link is unavailable.

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

[0412] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a third notification to an 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 can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 4A, and will not be repeated here.

[0415] Figure 4C is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4C, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

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

[0417] Optional implementations of step S4301 can be found in step S2104 in Figure 2A or step S4101 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

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

[0419] Optional implementations of step S4302 can be found in step S2105 in Figure 2A or step S4102 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

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

[0421] Optional implementations of step S4303 can be found in step S2106 in Figure 2A or step S4103 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0422] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 4A, and will not be repeated here.

[0423] Figure 4D is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4D, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

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

[0425] Optional implementations of step S4401 can be found in step S2105 in Figure 2A, or optional implementations of step S4102 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0426] Step S4402: Store the downlink data.

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

[0428] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 4A, and will not be repeated here.

[0429] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

[0430] Step S5101: Send the first notification.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0438] In some embodiments, the fourth network element processes the data 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 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 the second notification.

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

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

[0444] Step S5104: Obtain the 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 be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

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

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

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

[0450] In some embodiments, the fourth network element processes the data to obtain a 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 default.

[0452] Step S5105: Store downlink data.

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

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

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

[0457] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0458] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

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

[0460] Optional implementations of step S5201 can be found in step S2101 in Figure 2A or step S5101 in Figure 5A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0461] In some embodiments, the first notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being transmitted; 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 further 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 for indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; second indication information for indicating that the feeder link is available; third indication information for indicating that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information for indicating that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; timer information for indicating the start of a first timer, the duration of which is determined based on the time the feeder link is unavailable; a first pause reason indication for indicating 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 for indicating 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 a second network element through a 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 the following: determining that the feeder link is available based on the expiration of a first timer; determining that the feeder link is available based on the inclusion of second indication information in a 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 further includes: receiving a second confirmation message sent by a first network element or a second network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: third indication information for indicating that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fourth indication information for indicating that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; fifth indication information for indicating that the service link is unavailable; sixth indication information for indicating that the service link is available; a second suspension reason indication for indicating 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 for indicating 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 can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 5A, and will not be repeated here.

[0468] Figure 5C is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

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

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

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

[0472] Optional implementations of step S5302 can be found in step S2103 in Figure 2A, or optional implementations of step S5102 in Figure 5A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0473] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 5A, and will not be repeated here.

[0474] Figure 5D is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5D, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

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

[0476] Optional implementations of step S5401 can be found in step S2104 in Figure 2A or step S5103 in Figure 5A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

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

[0478] Optional implementations of step S5402 can be found in step S2106 in Figure 2A or step S5104 in Figure 5A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0479] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 5A, and will not be repeated here.

[0480] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating 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 executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

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

[0484] Step S6102: Store the downlink data.

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

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

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

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

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

[0490] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their 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; wherein, 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 (which can also be viewed as a non-terrestrial MME (MME-NT)) is deployed on a satellite.

[0493] Optionally, the MME stores 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 downlink data encryption and / or integrity verification.

[0495] In some embodiments, the MME agent (which can also be viewed 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 status of the feeder link. Here, the status of the feeder link can refer to its available or unavailable status as described in previous embodiments.

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

[0499] Figure 7B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, 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: P-GW sends downlink data to S-GW.

[0502] Optionally, when the S-GW receives downlink data packets or control signaling for the UE, the S-GW caches the downlink data packets and identifies which MME agent is serving the UE.

[0503] In 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] In step S7103, the MME agent checks the UE authorization if it determines that the feeder link is unavailable.

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

[0507] Optionally, if the MME agent determines that the feeder link is unavailable, it checks the UE authorization. That is, it 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 agent checks UE authorization using the UE context provided by the MME or stored by itself.

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

[0510] In step S7104, the MME agent sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the S-GW.

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

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

[0513] Optionally, if 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 reason for the failure. Here, the reason for failure can be the first reason for failure indication in the previous embodiment.

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

[0515] Optionally, if the S-GW and / or P-GW receive a backoff timer, it stores the downlink data.

[0516] Feeder links between the MME and the MME agent are now available.

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

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

[0519] In step S7107, the MME checks the UE authorization if the service link is unavailable.

[0520] Optionally, once the MME receives downlink data notification, it determines the status of the service link based on 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 service link is unavailable, it checks the UE authorization through the UE context.

[0522] In step S7108, the MME sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the S-GW.

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

[0524] Optionally, if the service 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, the MME may send a second confirmation message to the S-GW if the service link is available.

[0526] Optionally, if 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 reason, which can be a second failure reason indication as described in the previous embodiment.

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

[0528] In 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] In step S7110A, the MME sends a paging request to the UE through the access network equipment.

[0531] Optionally, if the serving link is available, the MME may send a paging request to the UE via an access network device (e.g., 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 once a secure NAS connection is established between the UE and the MME.

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

[0536] Optionally, the MME sends downlink data to the UE using NAS messages.

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

[0538] In step S7109B, the MME sends the UE's authorization status to the access network equipment.

[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 can notify the access network device of the UE's authorization status through the third notification in the previous embodiment.

[0540] Step S7110B: MME activates 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] In step S7111B, the S-GW sends downlink data to the access network equipment.

[0543] Optionally, the access network device sends downlink data to the base station; if the serving 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, the access network device may send a paging request to the UE if it determines that the serving link is available.

[0546] In 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 equipment provides downlink data to the UE protected by the AS.

[0549] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0550] Figure 7C is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7C, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

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

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

[0553] Optionally, when the S-GW receives downlink data packets or control signaling for the UE, the S-GW caches the downlink data packets and identifies which MME agent is serving the UE.

[0554] In 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] In step S7203, the MME agent checks the UE authorization if it determines that the service link is unavailable.

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

[0558] Optionally, if the MME agent determines that the service link is unavailable, it checks the UE authorization. That is, it 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 agent checks UE authorization using the UE context provided by the MME or stored by itself.

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

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

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

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

[0564] Optionally, the downlink data notification ack can be the second confirmation 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 may send downlink data notifications to the S-GW if the service link is unavailable and the UE is authorized to use data storage and forwarding functions.

[0567] Optionally, if the service 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 reason for the failure. Here, the reason for failure can be the second reason for failure indication in the previous embodiment.

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

[0569] In 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] In step S7108A, the MME sends a paging request to the UE through the access network equipment.

[0572] Optionally, if the serving link is available, the MME may send a paging request to the UE via an access network device (e.g., an eNB).

[0573] In step S7109A, the UE sends a service request to the MME through the access network equipment.

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

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

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

[0577] Optionally, the MME sends downlink data to the UE using NAS messages.

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

[0579] In step S7107B, the MME sends the UE's authorization status to the access network equipment.

[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 can notify the access network device of the UE's authorization status through the third notification in the previous embodiment.

[0581] Step S7108B: MME activates 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] In step S7109B, the S-GW sends downlink data to the access network equipment.

[0584] Optionally, the access network device sends downlink data to the base station; if the serving 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, the access network device may send a paging request to the UE if it determines that the serving link is available.

[0587] In 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 equipment provides downlink data to the UE protected by the AS.

[0590] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

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

[0592] For the MME agent side:

[0593] In some embodiments, the MME agent is able to 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 storage and forwarding function; this execution of the store-and-forward operation can be the execution of the first operation in the previous embodiments.

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

[0596] In some embodiments, the MME agent is able to provide a backoff timer to the S-GW when the feeder link is unavailable.

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

[0598] For the MME side:

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

[0600] In some embodiments, the MME can determine whether the UE is authorized to perform store-and-forward operations when the service link is unavailable.

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

[0602] In some embodiments, the MME can notify the access network device about 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.

[0603] For the S-GW side:

[0604] In some embodiments, the S-GW can store downlink 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 the backoff timer or the status of the feeder path.

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

[0607] For access network equipment (e.g., base stations):

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

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

[0610] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0611] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0612] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute 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 relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using 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 and configuring the hardware circuit 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 hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Units (NPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Deep Learning Processing Units (DPUs).

[0613] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element 8100 provided in an embodiment of this 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 (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto). In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 8102 is used to receive a first notification. Optionally, the first transceiver module 8102 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2103, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0614] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network element 8200 provided in an embodiment of this 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 a first operation. The second processing module 8201 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2105, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 8202 is used to receive a second notification. Optionally, the second transceiver module 8202 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2104 and / or step S2106, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0615] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network element 8300 provided in an embodiment of this 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 a first notification and / or a second notification. Optionally, the third transceiver module 8301 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2104, and / or S2106, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated 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 processing steps performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0616] Figure 8D is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device 8400 provided in an embodiment of this 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 sending and / or receiving steps performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail 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 processing steps performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0617] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0618] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0619] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 9100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 9100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 9100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in 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, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 9100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 9101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 9100 to execute 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 transceivers 9102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or steps S2103 and / or steps S2104 and / or steps S2106, but not limited thereto), and the processor 9101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102 and / or steps S2105 and / or steps S2107, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

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

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

[0624] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 9200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 9200 shown in Figure 9B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0625] Chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201. Chip 9200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0626] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9203 may be located outside chip 9200. Optionally, interface circuit 9202 is connected to memory 9203, and interface circuit 9202 can be used to receive data from memory 9203 or other devices, and interface circuit 9202 can be used to send data to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 can 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 such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described 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 such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 9202 performing data interaction between the processor 9201, the chip 9200, the memory 9203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 9201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102 and / or S2105 and / or S2107, but not limited thereto).

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

[0629] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 9100, cause the communication device 9100 to perform 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 not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0630] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0631] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

An information processing method, characterized in that, Executed by the first network element, including: If the first link is unavailable, a first operation is determined; 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 the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the first operation includes at least one of the following: The first operation is determined based on the 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; The first operation is determined based on the UE context information stored in 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 the data storage and forwarding function. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before determining the first operation, the method further includes: Based on the first information, it is determined whether the first link is available, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information. 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. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first link is the feeder link, and the method further includes: Send a first confirmation message to the fourth network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; The second indication information is used to indicate that the feeder link is available; The third instruction information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; Timer information is used to indicate the start of a first timer, the duration of which is determined based on the time during which the feeder link is unavailable; The first pause 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; The first failure reason 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. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Sending the 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, the first indication information, the third indication information and / or the timer information are sent to the fourth network element. When the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the timer information and / or the first pause reason indication are sent to the fourth network element. In the event that the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first indication information and / or the fourth indication information are sent to the fourth network element. If the feeder link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the first failure reason indication is sent to the fourth network element. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first link is a service link, and the method further includes: Send a second confirmation message to the fourth network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: The third instruction information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fifth indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; The sixth indication information is used to indicate that the service link is available; 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; 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. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, 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, the fifth indication information and / or the third indication information are sent to the fourth network element. If the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second suspension reason indication is sent to the fourth network element; In the event that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the fifth indication information and / or the fourth indication information are sent to the fourth network element. If the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second failure reason indication is sent to the fourth network element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: If the first link is unavailable, store 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, a second notification is sent to the second network element, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first network element is deployed in the terrestrial 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 either the Service Gateway (S-GW) or the Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW). An information processing method, characterized in that, Executed by the second network element, including: In the event that the service link between the satellite and the terminal is unavailable, a first operation is determined; 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 method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The determination of the first operation includes at least one of the following: The first operation is determined based on UE context information; wherein, the UE context information is at least used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to use data storage and forwarding functions; 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 the data storage and forwarding function. The method according to claim 11 or 12 is characterized in that, Before determining the first operation, at least one of the following is included: Based on the first information, it is determined whether the service link is available, wherein the first information includes coverage availability information; Based on the paging information in the paging message, determine whether the service link is available. 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 a fourth network element or a first network element, wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second confirmation message to the first network element; or, The first network element sends a second confirmation message to the fourth network element; The second confirmation information includes at least one of the following: The third instruction information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fifth indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; The sixth indication information is used to indicate that the service link is available; 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; 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. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, 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, the fifth indication information and / or the third indication information are sent to the first network element or through the first network element to the fourth network element. When the service link is unavailable and the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, a second suspension reason indication is sent to the first network element or through the first network element to the fourth network element. In the event that the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the fifth indication information and / or the fourth indication information are sent to the first network element or through the first network element to the fourth network element. If the service link is unavailable and the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function, the second failure reason indication is sent to the first network element or through the first network element to the fourth network element. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: When 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. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The step of storing downlink data sent by the fourth network element when the service link is unavailable includes: When the fourth network element provides downlink data through the control plane and the service link is unavailable, the downlink data is stored. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: When a non-access stratum (NAS) connection is established between the terminal and the second network element, the downlink data is protected for security. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: 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. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that, The first network element is deployed in the terrestrial 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 either the Service Gateway (S-GW) or the Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW). An information processing method, characterized in that, Executed by the fourth network element, including: Send 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; 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. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first confirmation message sent by a first network element, wherein the first confirmation message includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate that the feeder link is unavailable; The second indication information is used to indicate that the feeder link is available; The third instruction information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; Timer information is used to indicate the start of a first timer, the duration of which is determined based on the time during which the feeder link is unavailable; The first pause 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; The first failure reason 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. The method according to claim 22 or 23 is characterized in that, The method further includes: If the feeder link is determined to be available, a second notification and / or downlink data is sent from the first network element to the second network element; wherein the second notification is used to indicate that downlink data is being sent. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The feeder link is determined to be available based on the expiration of the first timer; Based on the second indication information included in the received first confirmation message, it is determined that the feeder link is available; The availability of the feeder link is determined based on coverage availability information and / or ephemeris information indicating that the feeder link is available. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second confirmation message sent by a first network element or a second network element, wherein the second confirmation message includes at least one of the following: The third instruction information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is not authorized to use the data storage and forwarding function; The fifth indication is used to indicate that the service link is unavailable; The sixth indication information is used to indicate that the service link is available; 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; 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. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that, The first network element is deployed in the terrestrial 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 either a Serving Gateway (S-GW) or a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW). An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the access network equipment, including: The terminal receives 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, downlink data is stored. 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, 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 the satellite and the ground station, and / or a service link between the satellite and the terminal. A second network element, characterized in that, include: The second processing module is 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. 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 transmitted; 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; 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. An access network device, characterized in that, include: 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. 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. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The network comprises 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 according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the second network element is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, the fourth network element is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, and / or the access network device is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 28. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or claims 11 to 21, or claims 22 to 27, or claim 28.

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