Downlink short-message processing method and apparatus, and communication device and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and in particular to a downlink short-message processing method and apparatus, and a communication device and a storage medium. The method comprises: when it is necessary to send a downlink short message to a UE, determining, on the basis of first communication availability time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE, whether connection to the MME network element is possible (S201), wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite; in response to connection to the MME network element being possible, executing a downlink short-message sending process (S202); and in response to connection to the MME network element not being possible, sending a failure report to a terrestrial short-message network element (S203).

Description

Downlink SMS processing method, device, communication equipment and storage medium

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 2024101775913, filed on February 8, 2024, entitled “Downlink SMS Processing Method, Device, Communication Equipment and Storage Medium,” the entire text of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a downlink text message processing method, apparatus, communication equipment, and storage medium. Background Art

[0004] The satellite regeneration mode of 3GPP SA2 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Service and System Aspects Technical Specification Group) is a communications model that deploys base stations and / or (partial) core network functions to satellites. In the forwarding scenario of satellite regeneration mode, if the NTN satellite does not have a feeder link with the ground when sending a downlink text message, the downlink text message will fail, and subsequent downlink text message failures will continue.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a downlink text message processing method, apparatus, communication equipment and storage medium.

[0007] In the first aspect, the present application provides a downlink SMS processing method, which is applied to a terrestrial HSS (Home Subscriber Server), including:

[0008] In the case of needing to send a downlink SMS to a UE (User Equipment), determining whether a connection to an MME (Mobility Management Entity) network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by an MME network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0009] In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process;

[0010] In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the first communicable time information is the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0012] In one embodiment, the determining whether the UE can connect to the MME network element according to the first communicable time information sent by the MME network element corresponding to the UE includes:

[0013] In response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0014] In response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein, the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, the first communicative time information is the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0016] In one embodiment, the determining whether the UE can connect to the MME network element according to the first communicable time information sent by the MME network element corresponding to the UE includes:

[0017] In response to the communication time with the MME network element during the current connection being less than the communication duration, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0018] In response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element not being received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein, the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0019] In one of the embodiments, the first communicable time information is the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period.

[0020] In one embodiment, the determining whether the UE can connect to the MME network element according to the first communicable time information sent by the MME network element corresponding to the UE includes:

[0021] In response to the current time being within a time within a preset period during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS are capable of communicating, determining that the MME network element is capable of being connected;

[0022] In response to the current time being outside the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0024] In response to receiving the routing information requested by the terrestrial SMS network element for routing the SMS, it is determined that a downlink SMS needs to be sent to the UE.

[0025] In one embodiment, the process of executing the downlink SMS sending process includes:

[0026] Send routing response information to the ground SMS network element to trigger the downlink SMS sending process.

[0027] In one embodiment, after sending the failure report to the ground SMS network element, the method further includes:

[0028] The downlink SMS sending process is suspended until the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is received; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0029] In one embodiment, after sending the failure report to the ground SMS network element, the method further includes:

[0030] Receiving second communicable time information sent by the MME network element;

[0031] The downlink SMS sending process is triggered within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information; wherein the second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0032] In one embodiment, triggering the downlink SMS sending process within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information includes:

[0033] During the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information, information for prompting a service center (SC) is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element to trigger a downlink SMS sending process.

[0034] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a downlink SMS processing device. The device comprises:

[0035] A judgment module, configured to, when a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a UE, judge whether a connection to an MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0036] An execution module, configured to execute a downlink SMS sending process in response to being able to connect to the MME network element;

[0037] The sending module is used to send a failure report to the ground SMS network element in response to being unable to connect to the MME network element.

[0038] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, the transceiver is configured to receive data or send data under the control of the processor, and the processor implements the following steps when executing the computer program:

[0039] In the case where a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a UE, determining whether a connection to an MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0040] In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process;

[0041] In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the following steps:

[0043] In the case where a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a UE, determining whether a connection to an MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0044] In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process;

[0045] In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element.

[0046] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the following steps:

[0047] In the case where a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a UE, determining whether a connection to an MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0048] In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process;

[0049] In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the conventional technology, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the disclosed drawings without any creative work.

[0051] FIG1 is an application environment diagram of a downlink SMS processing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG2 is a flow chart of a method for processing downlink text messages according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG3 is a signaling diagram of a downlink SMS processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG4 is a signaling diagram of another downlink SMS processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG5 is a structural block diagram of a first downlink SMS processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG6 is a structural block diagram of a second downlink SMS processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG7 is a structural block diagram of a third downlink SMS processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG8 is a structural block diagram of a fourth downlink SMS processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG9 is a structural block diagram of a fifth downlink SMS processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG10 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a computer device in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0063] Before introducing the embodiments of the present application, some relevant functional network elements involved in the present application are first introduced.

[0064] The UE accesses the data network (DN) and other services provided by the operator or a third party on the DN by accessing the operator network. For ease of explanation, the user terminal, terminal device, or terminal in the embodiments of the present application may be collectively referred to as a UE. That is, unless otherwise specified, the UE described in the embodiments of the present application can be replaced by a user terminal, terminal device, or terminal, and of course they can also be interchanged.

[0065] Access networks can be accessed through copper wires (regular telephone lines), fiber optic cables, hybrid fiber-coaxial cables (cable television cables), and wireless access. The RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network infrastructure commonly used in mobile networks. It consists of wireless base stations equipped with large antennas. The primary purpose of a RAN is to wirelessly connect user devices.

[0066] The MME is a key control node in the 3GPP access network, responsible for positioning and paging UEs in idle mode, including relaying. Simply put, the MME handles signaling. It is involved in bearer activation / deactivation processes and selects a Serving Gateway (SGW) for a UE when it initializes and connects. It authenticates users through interaction with the HSS and assigns them a temporary ID. The MME also supports interception and monitoring within legally permitted limits.

[0067] The HSS is a database that stores user subscription information in the network. It contains user profiles, performs user authentication and authorization, and can provide information about the user's physical location.

[0068] The terrestrial SMS network element (such as SMS-GMSC) is responsible for receiving short messages from the service center (SC), negotiating with the HSS to obtain routing information and SMS (Short Message Service) information, and sending the short message to the network entity corresponding to the receiving mobile terminal.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the network architecture, which includes UEs, satellite network elements, and terrestrial network elements. Satellite network elements can include RAN and MME network elements; terrestrial network elements can include terrestrial SMS network elements and HSS. UEs access the terrestrial network through satellite network elements and communicate with them. Satellite network elements can be understood as network elements deployed on satellites; terrestrial network elements can be understood as network elements deployed on the ground; and terrestrial SMS network elements can be understood as network elements in the core network that provide SMS transmission services. In this example, the MME is deployed on the satellite, and the HSS is deployed on the ground.

[0070] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , a method for processing downlink SMS messages is provided. The method is described by taking the HSS in FIG1 as an example, including the following steps:

[0071] S201: When a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a UE, determine whether the MME network element can be connected based on first communicable time information sent by the MME network element corresponding to the UE. If the MME network element can be connected, execute S202; if the MME network element cannot be connected, execute S203.

[0072] The MME network element is deployed on a satellite, and the first communicable time information is sent from the MME network element to the HSS.

[0073] It should be noted that the first communicative time information record contains information used to determine whether the current time belongs to the connection time between the ground HSS and the MME network element; therefore, when it is necessary to determine whether the MME network element can be connected, that is, whether the HSS can connect to the MME network element, it is necessary to determine whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element at the current time based on the content of the first communicative time information record and combined with different judgment methods.

[0074] To further explain, the first communicative time information may include but is not limited to: the connection time period corresponding to the MME network element, the historical connection time between the ground HSS and the MME network element, and the abnormal connection time between the ground HSS and the MME network element, etc. From the above content, it can be seen that since the first communicative time information represents a lot of content, there are also many methods to determine whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element. The method of determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element is not limited here. The following will judge whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element respectively for the above three types of first communicative time information.

[0075] As an implementation method, when the first communicative time information includes the connection time period corresponding to the MME network element, the method for determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element includes the following: determining whether the current time belongs to the connection time period. If the current time belongs to the connection time period, it means that the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element at the current time; if the current time does not belong to the connection time period, it means that the ground HSS cannot connect to the MME network element at the current time.

[0076] As another implementation method, when the first communicative time information includes the historical connection time between the ground HSS and the MME network element, the method for determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element includes the following: performing a difference operation between the current time and the historical connection time to determine the first shortest time interval between the current time and the historical connection time, and then determining whether the first shortest time interval is greater than a pre-set historical interval threshold. If the first shortest time interval between the current time and the historical connection time is greater than the historical interval threshold, it indicates that the ground HSS cannot connect to the MME network element at the current time; if the first shortest time interval between the current time and the historical connection time is not greater than the historical interval threshold, it indicates that the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element at the current time.

[0077] As another implementation method, when the first communicative time information includes the abnormal connection time of the MME network element, the method for determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element includes the following contents: performing a difference operation between the current time and the abnormal connection time to determine the second shortest time interval between the current time and the abnormal connection time, and then determining whether the second shortest time interval is less than a pre-set abnormal interval threshold. If the second shortest time interval between the current time and the abnormal connection time is less than the abnormal interval threshold, it indicates that the ground HSS cannot connect to the MME network element at the current time; if the second shortest time interval between the current time and the abnormal connection time is not less than the abnormal interval threshold, it indicates that the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element at the current time.

[0078] In summary, the first communicative time information contains a lot of content. Therefore, there are also many methods to determine whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element through the first communicative time information. The content contained in the first communicative time information and the method of determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element are not described here one by one.

[0079] S202, executing the downlink SMS sending process;

[0080] It should be noted that being able to connect to the MME network element means that the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element at the current time. Therefore, when executing the downlink SMS sending process at the current time, it can ensure that the downlink SMS is sent smoothly to the MME network element.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present application, when it is necessary to execute the downlink SMS sending process, the ground HSS sends a connection-enabled response to the ground SMS network element, for example, including the routing response information described later, wherein the connection-enabled response carries the communication address of the MME network element corresponding to the UE; therefore, the ground SMS network element can send the downlink SMS to the MME network element corresponding to the UE based on the communication address of the MME network element corresponding to the UE, so that the MME network element can send the downlink SMS to the UE.

[0082] S203: Send a failure report to the ground SMS network element.

[0083] It should be noted that the inability to connect to the MME network element indicates that the ground HSS cannot connect to the MME network element at the current time. A failure report is used to instruct the ground SMS network element to suspend downlink SMS transmission. Therefore, a failure report must be sent to the ground SMS network element at the current time to prevent it from continuously failing to send downlink SMS messages, which would waste communication resources. Furthermore, the failure report may include, but is not limited to, a description of the failure reason, the time of the failed transmission, an analysis of the failure reason, and additional information.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present application, in response to the inability to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the ground SMS network element, so that the ground SMS network element forwards the failure report to the service center, so that the service center stores relevant information such as the reason why the connection with the MME network element cannot be made at the current time.

[0085] The above-mentioned downlink SMS processing method determines whether it is possible to connect to the MME network element based on the first communicable time information, and then, if the MME network element can be connected, executes the downlink SMS sending process; if the MME network element cannot be connected, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element. According to the above content, this application does not directly send a downlink SMS when it is necessary to send a downlink SMS to the UE, but verifies whether the MME network element can be connected through the first communicable time information, and then, if the MME network element can be connected, executes the downlink SMS sending process to ensure that the downlink SMS can be sent smoothly in the forwarding scenario of the satellite regeneration mode; and, if the MME network element cannot be connected, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element to prevent the subsequent continued failed downlink SMS sending, thereby avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continued failed downlink SMS sending operation and improving the resource utilization of communication resources.

[0086] In one embodiment, when the first communicative time information is the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS, the method for determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element can be: determining whether the current time has reached the communication end time, and in response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, determining that the MME network element can be connected; and in response to the current time exceeding the communication end time, determining that the MME network element cannot be connected, and sending a failure report to the ground SMS network element.

[0087] To further illustrate, if the current time exceeds the communication end time, the ground HSS may also verify whether it has received the second communicable time information sent by the MME network element. Furthermore, based on whether the ground HSS has received the second communicable time information, it is determined whether the MME network element can be connected. The second communicable time information indicates the communication time for the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present application, in order to solve the technical problem that, in a forwarding scenario in a satellite regeneration mode, if the downlink SMS fails to be sent and the failed downlink SMS continues to be sent, the ground HSS of this embodiment can determine whether it can connect to the MME network element in the following manner, specifically including the following:

[0089] As an implementation manner, in response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, it is determined that the MME network element can be connected.

[0090] It should be noted that the current time has not reached the communication end time, which means that the MME network element can still connect to the ground HSS at the current time. Therefore, in response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, it is judged that the HSS can connect to the MME network element.

[0091] For example, if the current time is 10:00 and the communication end time corresponding to the first communicable time information is 11:00, since the current time is 10:00, the communication end time 11:00 has not been reached. Therefore, the MME network element can still connect to the ground HSS at the current time, and the MME network element can be connected.

[0092] As another implementation manner, in response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the second communicable time information sent by the MME network element not being received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0093] The second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS. Furthermore, the second communicable time information may be the communication end time of the next connection, or the communication duration of the next connection.

[0094] It should be noted that the failure to receive the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element indicates that the HSS has not started the next operation of connecting to the MME network element at the current time. Therefore, when the current time exceeds the communication end time and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, the time for this connection with the MME network element has ended, and the time for the next connection with the MME network element has not yet started. Therefore, it is judged that the HSS cannot connect to the MME network element.

[0095] To further explain, if the current time exceeds the communication end time, but the second communication time information sent by the MME network element is received, this means that the time for this connection with the MME network element has ended, but the time for the next connection with the MME network element has begun; then it is determined whether the MME network element can be connected based on the second communication time information.

[0096] Specifically, when the second communicable time information is the communication end time of the next connection, the next connection is used as the current connection, and it is determined whether the current time has not reached the communication end time corresponding to the second communicable time information; in response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, it is determined that the MME network element can be connected; in response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the third communicable time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the third communicable time information indicates the new communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS. The third communicable time information can be sent by the MME to the HSS after sending the second communicable time information.

[0097] Specifically, when the second communicative time information is the communication duration of the next connection, the next connection will be taken as this connection, and it will be judged whether the communication time with the MME network element in this connection is less than the communication duration; in response to the communication time with the MME network element in this connection being less than the communication duration, it will be judged that the MME network element can be connected; in response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration, and the third communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it will be judged that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein, the third communicative time information indicates the communication time of the new next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0098] The above-mentioned downlink SMS processing method, when the first communicative time information is the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS, determines whether the MME network element can be connected based on the time relationship between the current time and the communication end time, so as to prevent subsequent continuous failed downlink SMS sending, thereby avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continuous failed downlink SMS sending operation and improving the resource utilization rate of communication resources.

[0099] In one embodiment, when the first communicative time information is the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS, the method for determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element can be: determining whether the communication time with the MME network element in this connection is less than the communication duration; in response to the communication time with the MME network element in this connection being less than the communication duration, determining that the MME network element can be connected; in response to the communication time with the MME network element in this connection being not less than the communication duration, determining that the MME network element cannot be connected and sending a failure report to the ground SMS network element.

[0100] To further explain, when the communication time is greater than or equal to the communication duration, it is also possible to verify whether the ground HSS has received the second communication time information sent by the MME network element, and then, based on the situation of the ground HSS receiving the second communication time information, determine whether the MME network element can be connected.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present application, in order to solve the technical problem that, in a forwarding scenario in a satellite regeneration mode, if the downlink SMS fails to be sent and the failed downlink SMS continues to be sent subsequently, the ground HSS of this embodiment can determine whether it can connect to the MME network element in the following manner, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0102] As an implementation manner, in response to the fact that the communication time with the MME network element in the current connection is less than the communication duration, it is determined that the MME network element can be connected.

[0103] It should be noted that the communication time with the MME network element in this connection is less than the communication duration, which means that the MME network element can still connect with the ground HSS at the current time. Therefore, in response to the fact that the communication time with the MME network element in this connection is less than the communication duration, it is judged that the HSS can connect to the MME network element.

[0104] For example, if the communication time with the MME network element in this connection is one hour and the communication duration is two hours, since the communication time of one hour is less than the communication duration of two hours, the MME network element can still connect to the ground HSS at the current time, and the MME network element can be connected.

[0105] As another implementation, in response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicable time information sent by the MME network element not being received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0106] The second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS. Further, the second communicable time information may be the communication end time of the next connection, or the communication duration of the next connection.

[0107] It should be noted that the failure to receive the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element indicates that the next operation to connect to the MME network element has not started at the current time. Therefore, when the communication time is greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element has not been received, the time for this connection with the MME network element has ended, and the time for the next connection with the MME network element has not yet started. Therefore, the HSS cannot connect to the MME network element at this time.

[0108] Further explanation: if the communication time is greater than or equal to the communication duration, but the second communication time information sent by the MME network element is received, then it means that the time for this connection with the MME network element has ended, but the time for the next connection with the MME network element has begun; then it is determined whether the MME network element can be connected based on the second communication time information.

[0109] Specifically, when the second communicable time information is the communication end time of the next connection, the next connection is used as the current connection, and it is determined whether the current time has not reached the communication end time corresponding to the second communicable time information; in response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, it is determined that the MME network element can be connected; in response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the fourth communicable time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the fourth communicable time information indicates the new communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS. The fourth communicable time information can be sent by the MME to the HSS after sending the second communicable time information.

[0110] Specifically, when the second communicative time information is the communication duration of the next connection, the next connection will be taken as this connection, and it will be determined whether the communication time with the MME network element in this connection is less than the communication duration; in response to the communication time with the MME network element in this connection being less than the communication duration, the MME network element can be connected; in response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration, and the fourth communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein, the fourth communicative time information indicates the new communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0111] The above-mentioned downlink SMS processing method, when the first communicative time information is the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS, determines whether the MME network element can be connected based on the time relationship between the current time and the communication end time, so as to prevent subsequent continuous failed downlink SMS sending, thereby avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continuous failed downlink SMS sending operation and improving the resource utilization rate of communication resources.

[0112] In one embodiment, when the first communicative time information is the time within a preset period when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate, the method for determining whether the ground HSS can connect to the MME network element may be: determining whether the current time is within the time within the preset period when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate; in response to the current time being within the time within the preset period when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate, determining that the MME network element can be connected; in response to the current time not being within the time within the preset period when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate, determining that the MME network element cannot be connected and sending a failure report to the ground SMS network element.

[0113] In one embodiment of the present application, in order to solve the technical problem that, in a forwarding scenario in a satellite regeneration mode, if the downlink SMS fails to be sent and the failed downlink SMS continues to be sent subsequently, the ground HSS of this embodiment can determine whether it can connect to the MME network element in the following manner, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0114] As an implementation manner, in response to the current time being within a preset period during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS are able to communicate, it is determined that the HSS is able to connect to the MME network element.

[0115] It should be noted that the current time is within the time within the preset period when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate, which means that the time for this connection with the MME network element has not ended. Therefore, the MME network element can still be connected to the ground HSS at the current time. Therefore, in response to the current time being within the time within the preset period when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate, it is judged that the HSS can connect to the MME network element at the current time.

[0116] For example, if the current time is 9:00 and the first communicable time information is 8:00 to 10:00, since the current time 9:00 is within the first communicable time information of 8:00 to 10:00, the MME network element can still connect to the ground HSS at the current time, and the MME network element can be connected.

[0117] As another implementation manner, in response to the current time being outside the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0118] It should be noted that the current time is outside the time when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate within the preset period, which means that the time for this connection with the MME network element has ended. Therefore, the MME network element cannot be connected to the ground HSS at the current time. Therefore, the current time is outside the time when the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate within the preset period, and it is judged that the HSS cannot connect to the MME network element at the current time.

[0119] For example, if the current time is 9:00 and the first communicable time information is 10:00 to 11:00, since the current time 9:00 is not within the 10:00 to 11:00 of the first communicable time information, the MME network element cannot connect to the ground HSS at the current time, that is, the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0120] The above-mentioned downlink SMS processing method, when the first communicative time information is the time during which the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate within a preset period, determines whether the MME network element can be connected based on the relationship between the current time and the time during which the MME network element and the ground HSS can communicate within a preset period, thereby preventing subsequent continuous failed downlink SMS sending, thereby avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continuous failed downlink SMS sending operations and improving the resource utilization rate of communication resources.

[0121] In one embodiment, before determining whether the MME network element can be connected based on the first communicative time information sent by the MME network element corresponding to the UE, in response to receiving routing information requested by the terrestrial SMS network element for routing SMS, it is determined that a downlink SMS needs to be sent to the UE.

[0122] The routing information may include a device identifier corresponding to the UE.

[0123] Furthermore, if the MME network element can be connected, a routing response message is sent to the ground SMS network element to trigger the downlink SMS sending process. The routing response message is used to inform the ground SMS network element of the network element address of the MME network element, so that the ground SMS network element can send the downlink SMS to the MME network element corresponding to the network element address, and the MME network element executes the downlink SMS sending process.

[0124] In some embodiments, after sending a failure report to the ground SMS network element, the method also includes: suspending the downlink SMS sending process until receiving the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0125] As described above, if the HSS cannot connect to the MME network element, the HSS sends a failure report to the terrestrial SMS network element. The failure report is used to instruct the terrestrial SMS network element to suspend downlink SMS transmission, thereby preventing the subsequent continued failed downlink SMS transmission and thus avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continued failed downlink SMS transmission. In this case, the downlink SMS transmission process is suspended and the second communication available time information is received.

[0126] It should be noted that, if the MME network element cannot be connected, after sending a failure report to the ground SMS network element, the downlink SMS sending process can be triggered within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information; wherein, the HSS receives the second communicable time information sent by the mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE, and the second communicable time information is the communication time information of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS. The second communicable time information can be sent by the MME to the HSS after sending the first communicable time information.

[0127] The communication time information of the next connection may include but is not limited to the communication end time of the next connection or the communication duration of the next connection.

[0128] Further explanation: when it is necessary to trigger the downlink SMS sending process within the communication time indicated by the second communicative time information, information for prompting the service center (SC) can be sent to the ground SMS network element within the communication time indicated by the second communicative time information to trigger the downlink SMS sending process.

[0129] The above-mentioned downlink SMS processing method triggers the downlink SMS sending process within the communication time indicated by the second communicative time information, and sends information for prompting the service center (SC) to the ground SMS network element to trigger the downlink SMS sending process, thereby realizing the execution of the downlink SMS sending process when the MME network element can be connected, so as to ensure that the downlink SMS can be sent smoothly in the forwarding scenario of the satellite regeneration mode, avoid the waste of communication resources caused by the continuous failed downlink SMS sending operation, and improve the resource utilization of communication resources.

[0130] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , when a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a user, the following contents may be included:

[0131] S301: The service center sends a downlink SMS processing instruction to the ground SMS network element.

[0132] S302, the ground SMS network element responds to the downlink SMS processing instruction and requests routing information for routing SMS from the ground HSS; wherein the routing information carries the device identifier of the UE.

[0133] S303: The ground HSS determines the MME network element corresponding to the UE according to the device identifier of the UE, and obtains the first communicable time information sent by the internally stored MME network element.

[0134] S304: The ground HSS determines whether it can connect to the MME network element based on the first communicable time information.

[0135] S305: The ground HSS sends routing response information to the ground SMS network element.

[0136] S306: The ground SMS network element sends the downlink SMS to the MME network element to trigger the execution of the downlink SMS sending process.

[0137] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , when a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a user, the following contents may also be included:

[0138] S401: The service center sends a downlink SMS processing instruction to the ground SMS network element.

[0139] S402, the ground SMS network element responds to the downlink SMS processing instruction and requests routing information for routing SMS from the ground HSS; wherein the routing information carries the device identifier of the UE.

[0140] S403: The ground HSS determines the MME network element corresponding to the UE according to the device identifier of the UE, and obtains the first communicable time information sent by the internally stored MME network element.

[0141] S404: The terrestrial HSS determines whether it can connect to the MME network element based on the first communicable time information.

[0142] S405: The ground HSS sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element.

[0143] S406: The ground SMS network element forwards the sending failure report to the service center.

[0144] S407, after receiving the second communicable time information, the ground HSS sends information for prompting the SC to the ground SMS network element within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information to trigger the downlink SMS sending process.

[0145] The above-mentioned downlink SMS processing method determines whether it is possible to connect to the MME network element based on the first communicable time information, and then, if the MME network element can be connected, executes the downlink SMS sending process; if the MME network element cannot be connected, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element. According to the above content, this application does not directly send a downlink SMS when it is necessary to send a downlink SMS to the UE, but verifies whether the MME network element can be connected through the first communicable time information, and then, if the MME network element can be connected, executes the downlink SMS sending process to ensure that the downlink SMS can be sent smoothly in the forwarding scenario of the satellite regeneration mode; and, if the MME network element cannot be connected, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element to prevent the subsequent continued failed downlink SMS sending, thereby avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continued failed downlink SMS sending operation and improving the resource utilization of communication resources.

[0146] It should be understood that, although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps can be performed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily to be performed in sequence, but can be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of steps or stages in other steps.

[0147] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present application further provide a downlink SMS processing device for implementing the downlink SMS processing method involved above. The implementation solution provided by this device is similar to the implementation solution described in the above method. Therefore, the specific limitations of one or more downlink SMS processing device embodiments provided below can be referred to the limitations of the downlink SMS processing method above and will not be repeated here.

[0148] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5 , a downlink short message processing device is provided, comprising: a judgment module 10 , an execution module 20 , and a sending module 30 , wherein:

[0149] The judgment module 10 is used to judge whether the MME network element can be connected according to the first communicable time information sent by the mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE when a downlink text message needs to be sent to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on the satellite.

[0150] The execution module 20 is configured to execute a downlink SMS sending process in response to being able to connect to the MME network element.

[0151] The sending module 30 is configured to send a failure report to the terrestrial SMS network element in response to failure to connect to the MME network element.

[0152] The execution module is further configured to, in response to receiving routing information requested by the terrestrial SMS network element for routing SMS messages, determine that a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to the UE, and further, send routing response information to the terrestrial SMS network element to trigger a downlink SMS sending process.

[0153] The above-mentioned downlink SMS processing device determines whether it can connect to the MME network element based on the first communicable time information, and then, if it can connect to the MME network element, executes the downlink SMS sending process; if it cannot connect to the MME network element, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element. According to the above content, this application does not directly send a downlink SMS when it needs to send a downlink SMS to the UE, but verifies whether the MME network element can be connected through the first communicable time information, and then, if it can connect to the MME network element, executes the downlink SMS sending process to ensure that the downlink SMS can be sent smoothly in the forwarding scenario of the satellite regeneration mode; and, if it cannot connect to the MME network element, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element to prevent the subsequent continued failed downlink SMS sending, thereby avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continued failed downlink SMS sending operation and improving the resource utilization of communication resources.

[0154] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , a downlink SMS processing device is provided. In response to the first communicable time information being the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS, a determination module 10 in the downlink SMS processing device includes: a first determination unit 11 and a second determination unit 12, wherein:

[0155] The first determining unit 11 is configured to determine that the MME network element can be connected in response to the current time not reaching the communication end time.

[0156] The second determination unit 12 is used to determine that the MME network element cannot be connected in response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and not receiving the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0157] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7 , a downlink SMS processing device is provided. In response to the first communicable time information being the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS, a determination module 10 in the downlink SMS processing device includes: a third determination unit 13 and a fourth determination unit 14, wherein:

[0158] The third determining unit 13 is configured to determine that the MME network element can be connected in response to the communication time with the MME network element in the current connection being less than the communication duration.

[0159] The fourth determination unit 14 is used to determine that the MME network element cannot be connected in response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element not being received; wherein the second communicative time information is the communication time information of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0160] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG8 , a downlink SMS processing device is provided. In response to the first communicable time information indicating the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period, the judgment module 10 in the downlink SMS processing device includes: a fifth determination unit 15 and a sixth determination unit 16, wherein:

[0161] The fifth determining unit 15 is configured to determine that the MME network element can be connected in response to the current time being within a preset period during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate.

[0162] The sixth determining unit 16 is configured to determine that the MME network element cannot be connected in response to the current time being outside the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period.

[0163] In one embodiment, the execution module 20 is also used to suspend the downlink SMS sending process until the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is received; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0164] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG9 , a downlink SMS processing device is provided. The downlink SMS processing device further includes a trigger module 40 , wherein:

[0165] The trigger module 40 is used to receive the second communicable time information sent by the MME network element; trigger the downlink SMS sending process within the second communicable time information; wherein the second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0166] The trigger module is specifically configured to send information for prompting a service center (SC) to a ground SMS network element within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information, so as to trigger a downlink SMS sending process.

[0167] Each module in the downlink SMS processing device can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Each module can be embedded in or independent of a processor in a computer device in hardware form, or can be stored in a memory in a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0168] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, which may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be shown in Figure 10. The communication device includes a processor, a memory, a network interface, and a transceiver connected via a system bus. The processor of the communication device is used to provide computing and control capabilities. The memory of the communication device includes a non-volatile storage medium and an internal memory. The transceiver of the communication device is used to perform operations of receiving or sending data under the control of the processor. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system, a computer program, and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer program in the non-volatile storage medium. The database of the communication device is used to store data such as uplink text messages and downlink text messages. The network interface of the communication device is used to communicate with an external terminal via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, a text message processing method is implemented.

[0169] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure shown in FIG10 is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the solution of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the solution of the present application is applied. The specific computer device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have a different arrangement of components.

[0170] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are implemented:

[0171] In the case where a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to the UE, determining whether a connection to the MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0172] In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process;

[0173] In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element.

[0174] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0175] The first communicable time information is the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0176] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0177] In response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0178] In response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0179] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0180] The first communicable time information is the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0181] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0182] In response to the communication time with the MME network element in the current connection being less than the communication duration, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0183] In response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element not being received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time for the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0184] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0185] The first communicable time information is the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period.

[0186] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0187] In response to the current time being within a time within a preset period during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS are capable of communicating, determining that the MME network element is capable of being connected;

[0188] In response to the current time being outside the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within the preset period, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0189] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0190] In response to receiving the routing information requested by the terrestrial SMS network element for routing the SMS, it is determined that a downlink SMS needs to be sent to the UE.

[0191] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0192] Send routing response information to the ground SMS network element to trigger the downlink SMS sending process.

[0193] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0194] After sending the failure report to the ground SMS network element, the downlink SMS sending process is suspended until the second communicable time information sent by the MME network element is received; wherein the second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0195] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0196] Receiving second communicable time information sent by the MME network element;

[0197] The downlink SMS sending process is triggered within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information; wherein the second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0198] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0199] During the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information, information for prompting a service center (SC) is sent to a ground SMS network element to trigger a downlink SMS sending process.

[0200] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are implemented:

[0201] In the case where a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to the UE, determining whether a connection to the MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0202] In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process;

[0203] In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element.

[0204] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0205] The first communicable time information is the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0206] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0207] In response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0208] In response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0209] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0210] The first communicable time information is the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0211] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0212] In response to the communication time with the MME network element in the current connection being less than the communication duration, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0213] In response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element not being received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time for the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0214] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0215] The first communicable time information is the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period.

[0216] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0217] In response to the current time being within a time within a preset period during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS are capable of communicating, determining that the MME network element is capable of being connected;

[0218] In response to the current time being outside the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within the preset period, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0219] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0220] In response to receiving the routing information requested by the terrestrial SMS network element for routing the SMS, it is determined that a downlink SMS needs to be sent to the UE.

[0221] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0222] Send routing response information to the ground SMS network element to trigger the downlink SMS sending process.

[0223] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0224] After sending the failure report to the ground SMS network element, the downlink SMS sending process is suspended until the second communicable time information sent by the MME network element is received; wherein the second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0225] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0226] Receiving second communicable time information sent by the MME network element;

[0227] The downlink SMS sending process is triggered within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information; wherein the second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0228] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0229] During the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information, information for prompting a service center (SC) is sent to a ground SMS network element to trigger a downlink SMS sending process.

[0230] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the following steps:

[0231] In the case where a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to the UE, determining whether a connection to the MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite;

[0232] In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process;

[0233] In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element.

[0234] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0235] The first communicable time information is the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0236] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0237] In response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0238] In response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0239] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0240] The first communicable time information is the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0241] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0242] In response to the communication time with the MME network element in the current connection being less than the communication duration, determining that the MME network element can be connected;

[0243] In response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element not being received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time for the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

[0244] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0245] The first communicable time information is the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period.

[0246] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0247] In response to the current time being within a time within a preset period during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS are capable of communicating, determining that the MME network element is capable of being connected;

[0248] In response to the current time being outside the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within the preset period, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

[0249] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0250] In response to receiving the routing information requested by the terrestrial SMS network element for routing the SMS, it is determined that a downlink SMS needs to be sent to the UE.

[0251] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0252] Send routing response information to the ground SMS network element to trigger the downlink SMS sending process.

[0253] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0254] After sending the failure report to the ground SMS network element, the downlink SMS sending process is suspended until the second communicable time information sent by the MME network element is received; wherein the second communicable time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0255] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0256] Receiving second communicable time information sent by the MME network element;

[0257] The downlink SMS sending process is triggered within the second communicable time information; wherein the second communicable time information is the communication time information of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

[0258] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0259] During the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information, information for prompting a service center (SC) is sent to a ground SMS network element to trigger a downlink SMS sending process.

[0260] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of relevant countries and regions.

[0261] In the above-mentioned downlink SMS processing method, device, communication equipment and storage medium, the ground HSS determines whether it can connect to the MME network element based on the first communicable time information, and then, if it can connect to the MME network element, executes the downlink SMS sending process; if it cannot connect to the MME network element, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element. According to the above content, when it is necessary to send a downlink SMS to the UE, the present application does not directly send the downlink SMS, but verifies whether the MME network element can be connected through the first communicable time information, and then, if it can connect to the MME network element, executes the downlink SMS sending process to ensure that the downlink SMS can be sent smoothly in the forwarding scenario of the satellite regeneration mode; and, if it cannot connect to the MME network element, sends a failure report to the ground SMS network element to prevent the subsequent continued failed downlink SMS sending, thereby avoiding the waste of communication resources caused by the continued failed downlink SMS sending operation and improving the resource utilization of communication resources.

[0262] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to memory, database or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The database involved in the various embodiments provided herein may include at least one of a relational database and a non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, distributed databases based on blockchains. The processor involved in the various embodiments provided herein may be, but are not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic unit, a data processing logic unit based on quantum computing, and the like.

[0263] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0264] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A downlink SMS processing method, applied to a terrestrial home subscriber server (HSS), comprising: In the case where a downlink SMS message needs to be sent to a user equipment UE, determining whether a connection to the MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite; In response to being able to connect to the MME network element, executing a downlink SMS sending process; In response to being unable to connect to the MME network element, a failure report is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first communicable time information is the communication end time of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The determining, based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE, whether the MME network element can be connected includes: In response to the current time not reaching the communication end time, determining that the MME network element can be connected; In response to the current time exceeding the communication end time and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is not received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein, the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first communicative time information is the communication duration of the current connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The determining, based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE, whether the MME network element can be connected includes: In response to the communication time with the MME network element during the current connection being less than the communication duration, determining that the MME network element can be connected; In response to the communication time being greater than or equal to the communication duration and the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element not being received, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected; wherein, the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first communicable time information is the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The determining, based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE, whether the MME network element can be connected includes: In response to the current time being within a time within a preset period during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS are capable of communicating, determining that the MME network element is capable of being connected; In response to the current time being outside the time during which the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS can communicate within a preset period, it is determined that the MME network element cannot be connected.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: In response to receiving the routing information requested by the terrestrial SMS network element for routing the SMS, it is determined that a downlink SMS needs to be sent to the UE.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The execution of the downlink SMS sending process includes: Send routing response information to the ground SMS network element to trigger the downlink SMS sending process.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein After sending the failure report to the ground SMS network element, the method further includes: The downlink SMS sending process is suspended until the second communicative time information sent by the MME network element is received; wherein the second communicative time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the ground HSS.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein After sending the failure report to the ground SMS network element, the method further includes: Receiving second communicable time information sent by the MME network element; The downlink SMS sending process is triggered within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information; wherein the second The communication time information indicates the communication time of the next connection between the MME network element and the terrestrial HSS.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The process of triggering the downlink SMS sending process within the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information includes: During the communication time indicated by the second communicable time information, information for prompting a service center (SC) is sent to the terrestrial SMS network element to trigger a downlink SMS sending process.

13. A downlink SMS processing device, configured in a terrestrial home subscriber server (HSS), comprising: A judgment module, configured to, when it is necessary to send a downlink SMS message to a user equipment UE, determine whether a connection to an MME network element is possible based on first communicable time information sent by a mobility management entity (MME) network element corresponding to the UE; wherein the MME network element is deployed on a satellite; An execution module, configured to execute a downlink SMS sending process in response to being able to connect to the MME network element; The sending module is used to send a failure report to the ground SMS network element in response to being unable to connect to the MME network element.

14. A communication device comprising a memory, a transceiver and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, wherein: The transceiver is used to receive data or send data under the control of the processor, and the processor implements the steps of any one of claims 1 to 12 when executing the computer program.

15. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 are implemented.

16. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 are implemented.

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