Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and an apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal sends a registration request and receives a registration acceptance message, wherein the registration request comprises identification information of a first area where the terminal is located, the identification information of the first area is determined on the basis of first accuracy, and / or the registration acceptance message comprises a first area identification list, and identification information in the first area identification list is determined on the basis of the first accuracy or second accuracy. In the method, identification information of an area is determined on the basis of the accuracy of area segmentation, and therefore, information used for indicating the correspondence between each area and identification information corresponding to the area is not transmitted between the terminal and a network device (for example, an access network device and / or a first core network device), thereby saving the signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal may not store the information used for indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving the storage resources.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 5, 2024, with application number 202410254811.8 and application name “A Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0004] In terrestrial communications, the geographical area covered by the access network device's cell is fixed. Therefore, the terminal can determine whether it has moved out of the registration area based on the identification information of the tracking area (TA) broadcast by the access network device's cell. However, in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), such as satellite communications technology, the geographical area covered by the satellite's cell can change due to satellite movement. In this case, the terminal may not be able to determine whether it has moved out of the registration area based on the identification information of the TA broadcast by the satellite's cell.

[0005] In one solution, the core network device may send information indicating the correspondence between multiple geographic areas and multiple TAs to the terminal. Based on this information, the terminal can determine the TA in which the terminal is located and, therefore, whether the terminal has moved out of its registration area. For example, the correspondence between the multiple geographic areas and the multiple TAs may be a global correspondence between geographic areas and the multiple TAs, or a correspondence between geographic areas and the multiple TAs within a specific administrative region (e.g., a country, province, or city). This solution incurs significant signaling overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for reducing signaling overhead in a communication system such as NTN.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a first device. The first device can be a terminal or a module in the terminal (for example, a circuit, a chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), a chip system or a processor), and can also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions. The method may include: the first device sends a registration request and receives a registration acceptance message. The registration request may include identification information of the first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area may be determined according to the first precision; and / or the registration acceptance message may include a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined according to the first precision or the second precision.

[0008] In this method, the identification information of the region (e.g., the identification information of the first region or the identification information in the region identification list) can be determined based on the parameters used to segment the region (e.g., the first precision). In this way, the first device and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device) do not need to transmit information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to the region, thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the first device may not store information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to the region, thereby saving storage resources.

[0009] In one possible design, the identification information of the first area can be determined based on the first accuracy, the first rule for dividing the area, and the location of the terminal. In this way, the first device and the network device (for example, the access network device and / or the first core network device) may not transmit information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the first device may not store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0010] In one possible design, the method may further include: the first device may obtain first precision information indicating the first precision. The manner in which the first device obtains the first precision information indicating the first precision may include at least one of the following:

[0011] The first device can obtain the first precision information stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) or non-volatile memory (NV or NVM, hereinafter referred to as NV). In this way, the first device can quickly obtain the first precision information stored in the SIM card or NV, and can accurately determine the first precision based on the first precision information.

[0012] The first device may receive the first precision information. In this manner, the first device may accurately determine the first precision based on the received first precision information. Furthermore, in this manner, the first device may not store the first precision information, thereby conserving storage resources of the first device.

[0013] In one possible design, after receiving the first-precision information, the first device may further save the first-precision information to a SIM card or NV. With this design, after receiving the first-precision information once, the first device may save the first-precision information to a SIM card or NV. Thus, when the first device initiates the registration process, the first device may no longer receive the first-precision information. For example, the first device may no longer read system messages including the first-precision information, thereby saving the first device the overhead of reading information, for example, saving the first device the overhead of reading system messages.

[0014] In one possible design, the method may further include: the first device may obtain first rule information indicating the first rule. The manner in which the first device obtains the first rule information indicating the first rule may include at least one of the following:

[0015] The first device can obtain the first rule information stored in the SIM card or NV. In this way, the first device can quickly obtain the first rule information stored in the SIM card or NV, so that the first rule can be accurately determined based on the first rule information.

[0016] The first device may receive the first rule information. In this manner, the first device may accurately determine the first rule based on the first rule information. Furthermore, in this manner, the first device may not store the first rule information, thereby saving storage resources of the first device.

[0017] In one possible design, after receiving the first rule information, the first device may save the first rule information to a SIM card or NV. With this design, after receiving the first rule information once, the first device may save the first rule information to a SIM card or NV. In this way, when the first device initiates the registration process, the first device may no longer receive the first rule information. For example, the first device may no longer read system messages including the first rule information, thereby saving the first device the overhead of reading information, such as saving the first device the overhead of reading system messages.

[0018] In a possible design, the first rule may be pre-set or specified by a protocol. Through this design, the first device can quickly and accurately determine the first rule.

[0019] In one possible design, the method may further include: the first device may receive first information, wherein the first information may include second precision information and / or second rule information, the second precision information may be used to indicate a second precision for segmenting the region, and the second rule information may be used to indicate a second rule for segmenting the region.

[0020] Optionally, the first device may receive a first message, which may include first information. The first message may be a registration acceptance message or a configuration update command.

[0021] Through this design, the parameters of the segmented area (eg, precision and / or rules) can be flexibly adjusted, and the first device can promptly obtain information indicating the updated parameters (eg, second precision information and / or second rule information).

[0022] In one possible design, the method may further include one of the following:

[0023] When the terminal enters the deregistration state, the first device may delete the first information. In this way, each time the terminal registers, the first device may use the identification information of the first area determined according to the first accuracy.

[0024] When the terminal enters the deregistered state, the first device may update the first information to the SIM card. In this way, the first device may perform subsequent registration according to the latest parameters for segmenting the area (eg, the second accuracy and / or the second rule).

[0025] In one possible design, the method may further include: when the terminal moves out of the area indicated by the first area identifier list, the first device may trigger a mobile registration process. With this design, when the terminal moves out of the area indicated by the first area identifier list, the terminal may re-initiate the registration process.

[0026] In one possible design, the method may further include: the first device may receive identification information of at least one second area, the identification information of the at least one second area may be determined based on the third precision of the partitioned area, and the at least one second area may be an area where terminal registration is prohibited. With this design, the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on the parameters of the partitioned area (e.g., the third precision). In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the first device and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0027] In one possible design, the identification information of the at least one second area may be determined based on a third precision and a third rule for segmenting the area. With this design, the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on parameters for segmenting the area (e.g., the third precision and the third rule). In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the first device and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0028] In a possible design, the third precision and the first precision may be different. With this design, areas of different precisions can be reasonably managed and configured.

[0029] In a possible design, the shape of at least one second area may be different from the shape of the first area. With this design, areas of different shapes can be reasonably managed and configured.

[0030] In a possible design, the area of ​​each of the at least one second area may be smaller than that of the first area. With this design, areas of different areas can be reasonably managed and configured.

[0031] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a second device. The second device can be a first core network device or a module in the first core network device (for example, a circuit, a chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system or a processor), and can also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first core network device. The method may include: the second device may receive a registration request and send a registration acceptance message. The registration request may include identification information of the first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area may be determined according to the first precision; and / or the registration acceptance message may include a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined according to the first precision or the second precision.

[0032] In this method, the region identification information (e.g., the identification information of the first region or the identification information in the region identification list) can be determined based on the parameters used to segment the regions (e.g., the first precision). In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to the region need not be transmitted between the terminal and the second device, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0033] In one possible design, the identification information of the first region may be determined based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the region, and the location of the terminal. In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to the region may not be transmitted between the terminal and the second device, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0034] In one possible design, the method may further include: the second device receiving first precision information indicating the first precision; or the first precision is pre-set or specified by a protocol. With this design, the second device can flexibly determine the first precision.

[0035] In one possible design, the method may further include: the second device receiving first rule information indicating the first rule; or the first rule is pre-set or specified by a protocol. Through this design, the second device can flexibly determine the first rule.

[0036] In one possible design, the method may also include: the second device sends first information, the first information may include second precision information and / or second rule information, the second precision information is used to indicate the second precision of the segmented area, and the second rule information is used to indicate the second rule of the segmented area.

[0037] Optionally, the second device may send a first message, which may include first information. The first message may be a registration acceptance message or a configuration update command.

[0038] Through this design, the parameters of the segmented regions (eg, accuracy and / or rules) can be flexibly adjusted.

[0039] In one possible design, the method may further include: the second device sending first information to the second core network device, where the first information may be used to update the subscription information of the terminal. Through this design, the first information can be included in the SIM card and subscription information of the terminal. In this way, the parameters for segmenting the region (e.g., the second precision and / or the second rule) that can be used by the terminal and the second device are consistent, thereby implementing the registration process of the terminal.

[0040] In one possible design, the method may further include: the second device may send identification information of at least one second area, the identification information of the at least one second area may be determined based on the third precision of the segmented area, and the at least one second area may be an area where terminal registration is prohibited. With this design, the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., the third precision). In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the terminal and the second device, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0041] In one possible design, the identification information of the at least one second area may be determined based on a third precision and a third rule for segmenting the area. With this design, the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on parameters for segmenting the area (e.g., the third precision and the third rule). In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the first device and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0042] In a possible design, the third precision and the first precision may be different. With this design, areas of different precisions can be reasonably managed and configured.

[0043] In a possible design, the shape of at least one second area may be different from the shape of the first area. With this design, areas of different shapes can be reasonably managed and configured.

[0044] In a possible design, the area of ​​each of the at least one second area may be smaller than that of the first area. With this design, areas of different areas can be reasonably managed and configured.

[0045] On the third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a third device. The third device can be an access network device or a module in the access network device (such as a circuit, a chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system or a processor), and can also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. Among them, the method may include: the third device obtains third information, and the third information may include: first precision information for indicating a first precision, and / or, first rule information for indicating a first rule for segmenting an area. Then, the third device may send the third information to the terminal.

[0046] Through this method, the third device may send the third information to the terminal, so that the terminal can obtain the parameters for dividing the area (for example, the first accuracy and / or the first rule). In this way, the terminal can determine the identification information of the area (for example, the identification information of the first area or the identification information in the area identification list) based on the parameters for dividing the area. Information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the terminal and the network device (for example, the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal may not store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0047] In one possible design, the third device may receive the third information from the first core network device. Through this design, the third device may accurately obtain the third information.

[0048] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a third device. The third device can be an access network device or a module in the access network device (for example, a circuit, a chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system or a processor), and can also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. Among them, the method may include: the third device may obtain second information, and the second information may include: information for indicating the accuracy corresponding to the third area identifier list, and / or, information for indicating the rules corresponding to the third area identifier list. Then, the third device may send a paging message based on the second information and the third area identifier list.

[0049] Through this method, the third device can send a paging message based on the parameters used to segment the regions (e.g., the accuracy and / or rules indicated by the second information). This eliminates the need for the third device to receive information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to that region, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, the third device can eliminate the need to store information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to that region, thereby reducing storage resources.

[0050] In one possible design, the third device may receive the second information from the first core network device. Through this design, the third device may accurately obtain the third information.

[0051] In one possible design, the third device may also receive a third area identifier list from the first core network device.

[0052] In one possible design, the third device may receive a paging message from the first core network device, where the paging message may include the third area identifier list and / or the second information. In this design, the third device may obtain the third area identifier list and / or the second information from the paging message from the first core network device, eliminating the need to obtain the third area identifier list and / or the second information from another source after receiving the paging message, thereby improving paging efficiency.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a terminal or a module in the terminal (e.g., a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions. The communication device is capable of implementing the functions of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect described above. The module, unit, or means may be implemented through software, or through hardware, or the corresponding software implementation may be executed by hardware. Alternatively, the communication device may be a first core network device or a module in the first core network device (e.g., a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first core network device. The communication device is capable of implementing the functions of the second aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect described above. The module, unit, or means may be implemented through software, or through hardware, or the corresponding software implementation may be executed by hardware. Alternatively, the communication device may be an access network device or a module in the access network device (such as a circuit, chip, chip system or processor), and may also be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. The communication device has the functions of implementing the third or fourth aspects above. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit or means corresponding to the operations involved in the third or fourth aspects above. The module or unit or means may be implemented by software, or by hardware, or the corresponding software implementation may be executed by hardware.

[0054] In one possible design, the communication device includes an interface unit and a processing unit. The interface unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; the processing unit can be used to perform certain internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the processing unit and the interface unit can correspond to the operations described in the first aspect above.

[0055] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor. The processor can execute a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method in any possible design of the first aspect.

[0056] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, where the memory may store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions of the first aspect. The processor may execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method of any possible design of the first aspect.

[0057] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method in any possible design of the first aspect above.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which may include one or more of a first device, a second device, and a third device. The first device may execute the communication method provided in the first aspect, the second device may execute the communication method provided in the second aspect, and the third device may execute the communication method provided in the third or fourth aspect. For example, the communication system includes a terminal and an access network device; wherein the terminal is used to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect, and the access network device is used to execute the communication method provided in the third aspect; or, the terminal is used to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect, and the access network device is used to execute the communication method provided in the fourth aspect. For another example, the communication system includes a terminal and a first core network device; wherein the terminal is used to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect, and the first core network device is used to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect. For example, the communication system includes a terminal, a first core network device and an access network device; wherein the terminal is used to execute the communication method provided by the first aspect, the first core network device is used to execute the communication method provided by the second aspect, and the access network device is used to execute the communication method provided by the third aspect; or, the terminal is used to execute the communication method provided by the second aspect, the first core network device is used to execute the communication method provided by the second aspect, and the access network device is used to execute the communication method provided by the fourth aspect.

[0059] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the method in any possible design of any aspect from the first to the fourth aspects above is implemented.

[0060] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program code. When the computer program code is executed, the method in any possible design of any aspect from the first to the fourth aspects is implemented.

[0061] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory to execute a method in any possible design of any one of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0062] The technical effects that can be achieved in any of the fifth to ninth aspects mentioned above can refer to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved in any possible design in any of the first to fourth aspects mentioned above, and the repetitions will not be discussed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] 1A to 1D are architecture diagrams of several communication systems provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0064] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of several TA shapes provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0066] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of several algorithms for segmenting regions provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0067] FIG4C is a schematic diagram of a Hilbert curve construction method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG5 is a flow chart of a first communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of several scenarios provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0070] FIG7 is a flow chart of a second communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG8 is a flow chart of a third communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG9 is a flow chart of a fourth communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG10 is a flowchart of a fifth communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG11 is a flowchart of a sixth communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG12 is a flow chart of a seventh communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG13 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG14 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system (such as the new radio (NR) system), or future evolved communication systems (such as the sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system). The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to a terrestrial network communication system, or to an NTN communication system. The NTN communication system can be, for example, a satellite communication system, or can include a drone, a high altitude platform station (HAPS), and other air access network equipment, which is not limited in the present application.

[0079] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0080] Figure 1A illustrates the architecture of an NTN communication system applicable to embodiments of the present application. The communication system may include a terminal, a first access network device, and a second access network device. The communication link between the first access network device and the second access network device is a feedback link (or feeder link); the communication link between the second access network device and the terminal is a service link.

[0081] The first access network device may be a gateway station (also called a ground station, earth station, gateway, or gateway station) or a base station.

[0082] The second access network device may be a satellite (or satellite base station) or a high altitude platform station (HAPS), etc. The satellite may include at least one of the following: a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite (or a geosynchronous orbit satellite) or a non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO). The non-geostationary earth orbit satellite may include at least one of the following: a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite. There is no limitation here.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication mode of the second access network device may include a regenerative mode and a transparent mode (also referred to as a transparent mode). When the communication mode of the second access network device is the regenerative mode, the second access network device may have all or part of the functions of a base station and may be regarded as a base station. In this case, the second access network device may support functions such as RF filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, demodulation / decoding, encoding / modulation, and may perform operations such as error detection, correction and recovery on the signal, thereby improving the signal quality. Exemplarily, the second access network device may include a next generation NodeB (gNB) or a distributed unit (DU), etc. When the communication mode of the second access network device is the transparent mode, the second access network device may perform frequency conversion and forwarding on the signal.

[0084] It should be understood that Figure 1A only shows one first access network device and one second access network device. In actual use, an architecture with multiple first access network devices and / or multiple second access network devices may be adopted as needed. Each second access network device may provide services to one or more terminals, each second access network device may correspond to one or more first access network devices, and each first access network device may correspond to one or more second access network devices, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0085] The satellite communication system shown in this application may have multiple possible architectures, for example, any one of Architectures 1 to 3.

[0086] Architecture 1: Figure 1B shows a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission mode applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1B, the terminal and the ground base station can communicate through the air interface (for example, the Uu interface), and the satellite and the NTN gateway can be considered as the remote radio unit (RRU) of the ground base station, which can realize transparent forwarding of the signal. The ground base station and the core network (for example, the 5G core network (CN)) can communicate through the next generation (NG) interface. The core network and the data network (DN) can communicate through the N6 interface. Among them, the satellite supports functions such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, without changing the waveform of the signal; that is, the satellite can act as an analog radio frequency repeater (RF repeater) or layer 1 (L1) relay (L1 relay) to regenerate the physical layer signal.

[0087] Architecture 2: FIG1C shows a satellite communication system in a regeneration mode applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1C , the satellite has some or all of the functions of an access network device and can be called a satellite base station. The satellite can provide wireless access services and schedule wireless resources for terminal devices that access the network through the satellite. The terminal and the satellite can communicate through the air interface (for example, the Uu interface), the satellite and the core network can communicate through the NG interface, and the core network and the DN can communicate through the N6 interface. Optionally, during the communication between the satellite and the core network, the satellite can communicate with the core network through the NTN gateway. Specifically, the satellite and the NTN gateway can communicate through the NG interface, and the NTN gateway and the core network can communicate through the NG interface. The NTN gateway can connect network segments of different protocols; the NG interface between the satellite and the NTN gateway can be deployed on the satellite radio interface (SRI). Optionally, in this architecture, there is no inter-satellite link (ISL) between the satellites.

[0088] Architecture three: Figure 1D shows a satellite communication system in another regeneration mode applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1D, the satellite has some or all of the functions of an access network device and can be called a satellite base station. The satellite can provide wireless access services and schedule wireless resources for terminal devices that access the network through the satellite. The terminal and the satellite can communicate through the air interface (for example, the Uu interface), the satellite and the core network can communicate through the NG interface, and the core network and the DN can communicate through the N6 interface. Satellites can communicate with each other through the Xn interface, and the Xn interface can be deployed on the ISL. For the specific content of the communication between the satellite and the core network through the NG interface, please refer to the description of Architecture Two and will not be repeated here.

[0089] In this application, a terminal may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal equipment, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0090] A terminal can be a device that provides wireless communication capabilities, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection capabilities. Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, satellite mobile terminals, cellular phones, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smart watches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), vehicle-mounted devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, smart point of sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. The present invention also includes wireless terminals (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electric meters, etc.) in a home, intelligent robots, robotic arms, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, flying devices (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), terminals in 5G networks, or terminals in future-evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal may also be a mobile terminal (MT) in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. When the IAB node faces its parent node, it can be regarded as a terminal. In this case, the IAB node plays the role of an MT.

[0091] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form factor of the terminal. The device used to implement the terminal's functions can be a terminal; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete components.

[0092] In this application, an access network device is a device that provides wireless communication functions for a terminal, and the terminal can communicate with a core network device through the access network device. As a node in a wireless access network, an access network device can also be called a base station, a radio access network (RAN) node (or device), or an access point (AP). A communication system may include multiple access network devices, which can be nodes of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the access network device and the terminal are relative. For example, network element #A can be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station and access the RAN through network element #B. For those terminals that access the RAN through network element #A, network element #A is a base station; but for network element #B, network element #A is a terminal.

[0093] In one possible scenario, the access network device may be a base station, a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, an IAB node, a mobile switching center, a high-altitude platform or a satellite, etc. The access network device may be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud RAN (CRAN) scenario. The access network device may also be a device that acts as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, drone communication, and machine communication. Optionally, the access network device may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an on-board device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU).

[0094] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different access network devices respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the access network device can be a centralized unit (CU), DU, CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as an RRU, an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the access network device can be a CU, or a DU, or a device including a CU and a DU. In addition, the CU can be divided into an access network device in the access network, or the CU can be divided into an access network device in the CN, which is not limited here.

[0095] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0096] In the embodiments of the present application, the form of the access network device is not limited. The device used to implement the functions of the access network device can be the access network device; it can also be a device that supports the access network device to implement the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device.

[0097] Access network equipment and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; and in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of access network equipment and terminals.

[0098] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a chip for a terminal or access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. This chip may also be referred to as a communication chip. As shown in Figure 2, the chip may include at least one of the following: a baseband subsystem, a radio frequency subsystem, a power subsystem, or peripherals. The baseband subsystem may implement one or more of the following functions: application layer processing, external interfaces, and Layer 3 (L3) / Layer 2 (L2) / L1 communication protocol processing. The radio frequency subsystem may include an RF front end and an antenna, primarily implementing one or more of the following functions: conversion of electromagnetic waves into electrical signals, signal amplification, and signal filtering. The radio frequency subsystem may also connect to the baseband subsystem to implement analog signal frequency conversion and nonlinear distortion correction. The power subsystem, also referred to as a power management subsystem, implements power management functions. For example, the power subsystem may connect to the baseband subsystem and the radio frequency subsystem to manage the power supply of the baseband and radio frequency subsystems. The peripherals may include memory and / or external interfaces, enabling communication between the chip and external devices.

[0099] In this application, core network equipment refers to equipment in the core network that provides service support for terminals. At present, some examples of core network equipment are: access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, session management function (SMF) entity, user plane function (UPF) entity or unified data management (UDM) entity), etc., which are not listed here one by one. Among them, the AMF entity can be responsible for terminal access management and mobility management; the SMF entity can be responsible for session management, such as user session establishment, etc.; the UPF entity can be a functional entity of the user plane, mainly responsible for connecting to the external network; the UDM entity can be responsible for data management, such as managing the contract information of the terminal, etc. It should be noted that the entities in this application can also be referred to as network elements or functional entities. For example, the AMF entity can also be referred to as an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity. For another example, the UDM entity can also be referred to as a UDM network element or a UDM functional entity, etc.

[0100] The communication system and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0101] The following first explains the relevant terms involved in the embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of the present application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0102] 1.TA:

[0103] A TA is a concept established for terminal location management. Each TA corresponds to an area. Currently, each TA can be indicated by a tracking area code (TAC) or a tracking area identity (TAI); in other words, the TA's identification information may include the TAC and / or TAI.

[0104] Both the terminal and the core network equipment can obtain the terminal's serving TA (TA) to manage the terminal's location. The serving TA can be the TA where the terminal is located. For example, in terrestrial communications, the geographical area covered by the access network equipment's cell is fixed. A TA can correspond to one or more cells, and each cell can correspond to only one TA. The terminal can determine whether it has moved out of the registration area based on the TA identification information broadcast by the access network equipment's cell. Based on the TA, the core network equipment can trigger one or more cells corresponding to the TA to send a paging message.

[0105] The area corresponding to the TA may also be referred to as the area included in the TA or the area covered by the TA or the TA. The shape of the TA is related to the rule for segmenting the TA (for example, the algorithm for segmenting the area). Exemplarily, the shape of the TA may include one of a spherical polyhedron, a spherical rectangle, a spherical approximate rectangle, or a spherical triangle. The two long sides of the spherical approximate rectangle are approximately equal, and the two short sides of the spherical approximate rectangle are approximately equal. For example, as shown in FIG3A , the shape of the TA may include a spherical rectangle. For another example, as shown in FIG3B , the shape of the TA may include a spherical polyhedron, such as a spherical hexagon.

[0106] In addition, the present application does not limit the naming method of TA. For example, TA can also be called a fixed area.

[0107] 2. Rules for segmenting regions:

[0108] The rules for segmenting a region may include an algorithm for segmenting the region. The term "segment" in segmenting a region may be replaced by "dividing" or "determining." Exemplarily, the algorithm for segmenting a region may include at least one of the following: an open-source geohash algorithm, an open-source Uber H3 algorithm, or a Google S2 algorithm. Each of these is described below.

[0109] (1) Geohash open source algorithm:

[0110] The Geohash open source algorithm can also be called the Geohash algorithm. The Geohash open source algorithm can divide the areas on the earth by dividing the longitude and latitude into equally spaced grids. For any area after division (hereinafter referred to as area #1), the longitude and latitude corresponding to area #1 can be encoded according to the dichotomy method respectively to obtain the identification information of area #1. Among them, the identification information of area #1 can be indicated by M bits and N bits. Among them, the M bits can indicate the latitude corresponding to area #1, and the N bits can indicate the longitude corresponding to area #1. Both M and N can be positive integers, and M and N can be the same or different.

[0111] The following description will be made by taking the encoding of the latitude corresponding to region #1 to obtain a value of M bits as an example.

[0112] As shown in Figure 4A, the latitude range of the Earth's surface is -90° to 90°, which can be evenly divided into two parts: -90° to 0° and 0° to 90°. If the latitude corresponding to region #1 is between -90° and 0°, the first bit of the M bits is 0; if the latitude corresponding to region #1 is between 0° and 90°, the first bit of the M bits is 1.

[0113] The latitude range of 0° to 90° can be evenly divided into two parts: 0° to 45° and 45° to 90°. If the latitude corresponding to region #1 is between 0° and 45°, the second bit of the M bits is 0; if the latitude corresponding to region #1 is between 45° and 90°, the second bit of the M bits is 1.

[0114] The range from -90° to 0° can be evenly divided into two parts: -90° to -45° and -45° to 0°. If the latitude corresponding to region #1 is between -90° and -45°, the second bit of the M bits is 0; if the latitude corresponding to region #1 is between -45° and 0°, the second bit of the M bits is 1.

[0115] Similarly, the latitude corresponding to region #1 can be encoded using the above method to obtain an M-bit value. For example, if the latitude corresponding to region #1 is 84.375° to 90°, then M is 5, and the value of the M bits is 11111.

[0116] Similarly, the latitude corresponding to region #1 is encoded to obtain an N-bit value. For example, the longitude range of the Earth's surface can be -180° to 180°. If the longitude corresponding to region #1 is 67.5° to 78.75°, then N is 5, and the value of these N bits is 10110.

[0117] In this way, the longitude and latitude corresponding to area #1 can be indicated by the M bits and the N bits, thereby indicating area #1.

[0118] As mentioned above, the identification information of the area #1 can be indicated by M bits and N bits. In some examples, the identification information of the area #1 can be obtained by concatenating the N bits and the M bits. For example, if the value of the M bits is 11111 and the value of the N bits is 10110, the identification information of the area #1 may include: 1011011111. In other examples, the identification information of the area #1 can be obtained by alternating the N bits and the M bits. For example, if the value of the M bits is 11111 and the value of the N bits is 10110, the combined encoding result may include: 1101111101.

[0119] (2) Uber H3 open source algorithm:

[0120] The Uber H3 open source algorithm, also referred to as the Uber H3 algorithm, is described below with reference to FIG4B .

[0121] As shown in (a) of FIG4B , the surface of the Earth can be represented by a spherical icosahedron. The icosahedron has 12 vertices, and for each of the 12 vertices, five faces intersect at this vertex. Each face of the icosahedron is a spherical triangle, and each face can be assigned a number. Each face of the icosahedron can be referred to as a base cell. In this application, the numbers can also be replaced by indices, etc., without limitation.

[0122] The division method of each face of the icosahedron is the same. Face #1 is any face of the icosahedron, and the following description will take face #1 as an example.

[0123] At layer 0, face #1 may correspond to multiple pentagons and multiple hexagons. For example, as shown in (b) in FIG4B , there is a triangle at each vertex of face #1. As mentioned above, at each vertex of the icosahedron, 5 faces intersect at this vertex. Therefore, the triangle at each vertex of face #1 can form a pentagon. In this way, face #1 can include 3 / 5 pentagons. In addition, as shown in (b) in FIG4B , face #1 can also include 5.5 hexagons. Thus, in layer 0, there are a total of 110 hexagons and 12 pentagons.

[0124] In layer 1, each hexagon in layer 0 may correspond to multiple hexagons. Hexagon #1 is any hexagon in layer 0. For example, as shown in FIG4B (c), hexagon #1 may correspond to 7 hexagons.

[0125] In layer 2, each hexagon in layer 1 may correspond to multiple hexagons. Hexagon #2 is any hexagon in layer 1. For example, as shown in (d) of FIG4B , hexagon #2 may correspond to 7 hexagons.

[0126] By analogy, the above method can be used to divide the earth's surface layer by layer to obtain multiple hexagonal areas.

[0127] For any area after segmentation (hereinafter referred to as area #2), the identification information of area #2 may include: indication information of the number of the base grid corresponding to area #2, and indication information of the number of the area corresponding to area #2 in each layer from layer 0 to layer a, where a is the precision of the segmented area and a is a positive integer. Exemplarily, the identification information of area #2 may include, in sequence: indication information of the number of the base grid corresponding to area #2, indication information of the number of the area corresponding to area #2 in layer 0, indication information of the number of the area corresponding to area #2 in layer 1, ... indication information of the number of the area corresponding to area #2 in layer a. The indication information of the number may also be replaced by encoding information of the number.

[0128] The information indicating the base grid number corresponding to area #2 may include 4 bits. For example, if the base grid number corresponding to area #2 is 1, the value of these 4 bits may be 0001. For another example, if the base grid number corresponding to area #2 is 7, the value of these 4 bits may be 0111.

[0129] In each layer from layer 0 to layer a, the region numbering can be determined using the ijk coordinate system. For example, as shown in (e) of Figure 4B , hexagon #1 can correspond to seven hexagons. The numbering, ijk coordinates, and information indicating the numbering of these seven hexagons can be shown in Table 1.

[0130] Table 1

[0131] (3) Google S2 algorithm:

[0132] Google S2 algorithm, also known as Hilbert algorithm. In Google S2 algorithm, it is assumed that there is a tangent cube outside the earth. The surface of the earth can be projected onto the six faces of the cube along the direction of the center of the sphere toward the cube. In this way, the three-dimensional surface of the earth can be converted into a two-dimensional image. Each face on the projected cube can be divided according to the accuracy. For example, if the accuracy of the segmentation area is 30, each face on the projected cube can be divided into 2 30 ×2 30 In this way, the surface of the Earth can be divided into multiple regions.

[0133] For any region after segmentation (hereinafter referred to as region #3), the identification information of region #3 can be determined based on the Hilbert curve. In an exemplary embodiment, the identification information of region #3 may include indication information of the surface where region #3 is located and identification information of the Hilbert curve corresponding to region #3. The Hilbert curve is a curve that can fill a 2-dimensional plane. As shown in Figure 4C, the Hilbert curve construction method includes: copying the i-th order curve to obtain 4 identical curves, and the 4 identical curves can form a square. Of the 4 copied parts, the curve in the lower left corner can be rotated 90 degrees to the left, and the curve in the lower right corner can be rotated 90 degrees to the right. Then, these 4 curves are connected to obtain a curve of the i+1th order, where i is a positive number. In this way, for each face on the projected cube, a Hilbert curve that fills each square on the face can be constructed by increasing the order, and each square can be indicated by the identification information of the Hilbert curve corresponding to the square.

[0134] 3. Accuracy:

[0135] In the present application, the precision may be the precision of the segmented area. The precision may also be replaced by one or more of granularity, resolution, number of layers, number of bits indicating the longitude and / or latitude corresponding to the area, length of the identification information of the area or number of bits included. Among them, the resolution may be the granularity of the segmented area. For example, when the area is segmented by the Geohash open source algorithm, the precision may be the number of bits indicating the longitude and / or latitude corresponding to the area. For another example, when the area is segmented by the Uber H3 open source algorithm, the precision may be the number of layers of the segmented area. For another example, when the area is segmented by the Google S2 algorithm, the precision may be related to the number of squares included on each face of the projected cube. The number of squares is, for example, 2 a ×2 a , a is the precision, a can be a positive integer.

[0136] 4. Region:

[0137] In this application, a region can be a geographic region, a geographic range, an administrative region, an administrative range, or a wave position, etc. A wave position can be the coverage range of a beam (or the projection range of a beam on the ground). The access network device can adjust the antenna weights so that the beam sent by the access network device can point in different directions and have different coverage ranges. For example, a satellite is configured with 16 beams, each with a different coverage range, and the coverage range of each beam can be a wave position.

[0138] 5. Forbidden Area:

[0139] In this application, a prohibited area refers to an area where a terminal is prohibited from registering. In other words, if a terminal is within a prohibited area, the terminal cannot register, or if the terminal is within a prohibited area, the terminal does not send a registration request. A prohibited area may be very small; in other words, the area of ​​a prohibited area may be very small; or the coverage of a prohibited area may be very small. For example, a prohibited area may be part of a TA.

[0140] 6. Terminal registration process:

[0141] The terminal registration process can be the process of registering the terminal with the network. During this process, the terminal can obtain service permissions. Optionally, the terminal can initiate the registration process in at least one of the following scenarios: Scenario 1: The terminal wants to use network services, such as when turning on the terminal; Scenario 2: The terminal moves to an area outside of its registered area; Scenario 3: The terminal needs to renegotiate capabilities with the network.

[0142] During the registration process, the terminal may send a registration request, which may be used to request that the terminal be registered with the network; accordingly, the AMF entity may receive the registration request. Optionally, the registration request may include one or more of a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) type, a home network identifier, a routing identifier, a SUPI protection algorithm identifier, etc. The AMF entity may then send a registration accept message, which may be used to indicate that the terminal has been successfully registered with the network; accordingly, the terminal may receive the registration accept message.

[0143] 7. In this application, "sending information to ... (terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal, and may include directly or indirectly sending information to the terminal. "Receiving information from ... (terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and may include directly or indirectly receiving information from the terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination of the information, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0144] Currently, in communication systems such as NTN, core network equipment can send information indicating the correspondence between multiple geographic areas and multiple TAs to a terminal, so that the terminal can determine the TA in which the terminal is located based on this information. Exemplarily, the information indicating the correspondence between multiple geographic areas and multiple TAs may include multiple entries, each of which may include identification information of a TA and location information of the geographic area corresponding to the TA. The location information of the geographic area corresponding to the TA may include the longitude and latitude of each vertex in the geographic area corresponding to the TA, and / or the coordinates of each vertex in the geographic area corresponding to the TA.

[0145] In communication systems like NTN, satellites are mobile. To avoid frequent changes in system information due to satellite movement, the mapping between multiple geographic areas and multiple TAs can be global, or within a specific administrative region (e.g., a country, province, or city). This solution incurs significant signaling overhead.

[0146] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. Figure 5 is a flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 5, a terminal, an access network device (e.g., a satellite) and a first core network device (e.g., an AMF entity) are used as examples of the execution subjects of the interaction diagram to illustrate the method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction diagram. For example, the terminal can be replaced by a module applied to the terminal, such as a circuit, a chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or system-in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), a chip system or a processor, or can be replaced by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions. For another example, the access network device can be replaced by a module applied to the access network device, such as a circuit, a chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system or a processor, or can be replaced by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the access network device functions. For another example, the first core network device can be replaced with a module applied to the first core network device, such as a circuit, a chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system or a processor, and can also be replaced with a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first core network device. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0147] S501: The terminal sends a registration request; correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request.

[0148] In some possible embodiments, the registration request may include identification information of the first area where the terminal is located. The first area where the terminal is located is, for example, the TA where the terminal is located. The identification information of the first area may be replaced by at least one of the following: an index of the first area, an identifier (ID) of the first area, or a number of the first area.

[0149] The identification information of the first region may be determined based on a first precision. Thus, the terminal may determine the identification information of the first region based on the first precision. The first precision may be the first precision of the segmented region. The first region may be a segmented region. For example, after the Earth's surface is divided into K regions based on the first precision, where K is a positive integer, the first region may be one of the K regions.

[0150] Exemplarily, the identification information of the first area is determined based on the first accuracy and the location of the terminal. In this way, the terminal can determine the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy and the location of the terminal. The location of the terminal can be the geographical location of the terminal. The location of the terminal can be indicated by at least one of the following: the longitude and latitude of the location, or the coordinates of the location. The location of the terminal can be determined by the terminal based on the global positioning system (GPS). This application does not limit the specific content of the terminal determining the terminal location.

[0151] Optionally, the identification information of the first area can be determined based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the area, and the location of the terminal. In this way, the terminal can determine the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the area, and the location of the terminal. The first rule for segmenting the area may include a first algorithm for segmenting the area. The following uses the first algorithm being the Geohash open source algorithm, the Uber H3 open source algorithm, or the Google S2 algorithm as examples to illustrate that "the identification information of the first area can be determined based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the area, and the location of the terminal."

[0152] For example, the first algorithm is the Geohash open source algorithm. The first precision is the number of bits indicating the longitude corresponding to each area, and the first precision is the number of bits indicating the latitude corresponding to each area. If the first precision is 5, the longitude and latitude of the terminal's location are 70° and 85° respectively, then the 5 bits indicating the longitude of the first area are 10110, and the 5 bits indicating the latitude of the first area are 11111. If the identification information of the first area is obtained by concatenating the 5 bits indicating the longitude of the first area and the 5 bits indicating the latitude of the first area, then the identification information of the first area may include 1011011111. If the identification information of the first area is obtained by alternating the 5 bits indicating the longitude of the first area and the 5 bits indicating the latitude of the first area, then the identification information of the first area may include: 1101111101. For the specific content of the Geohash open source algorithm, please refer to the description of the "Geohash open source algorithm" in the explanation of terms section, which will not be repeated here.

[0153] For another example, the first algorithm is the Uber H3 open source algorithm. The first precision is the number of layers of the segmented region. If the first precision is 2, and at layer 0, the terminal is located in hexagon numbered 3 in base grid numbered 1, at layer 1, the terminal is located in hexagon numbered 4, and at layer 2, the terminal is located in hexagon numbered 0, then the identification information of the first region may include: 0001011100000. The first four bits of the identification information may indicate the number 1 of the base grid corresponding to the first region, bits 4 to 6 of the identification information may indicate the number 3 of the hexagon in layer 0 corresponding to the first region, bits 7 to 9 of the identification information may indicate the number 4 of the hexagon in layer 1 corresponding to the first region, and bits 10 to 12 of the identification information may indicate the number 0 of the hexagon in layer 2 corresponding to the first region. For the specific content of the Uber H3 open source algorithm, please refer to the description of "Uber H3 open source algorithm" in the Explanation of Terminology section and will not be repeated here.

[0154] For another example, the first algorithm is the Google S2 algorithm. If the first precision is 30, then when projecting a tangent cube outside the earth, each face of the cube can be divided into 2 30 ×2 30 If the projection of the terminal's location is located in square #1 of face #1 numbered 1 in the cube, the identification information of the first area may include: indication information of face #1 and identification information of the Hilbert curve corresponding to square #1. The indication information of face #1, for example, is 001, which may indicate that face #1 is numbered 1.

[0155] Through this method, the identification information of the first area can be determined based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the area, and the location of the terminal. In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the terminal and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal may not store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0156] Optionally, before determining the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy, the terminal may first obtain information with the first accuracy. This may be done in various ways, such as method A1 or method A2. In this case, determining the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy can be expressed as determining the identification information of the first area based on the information with the first accuracy.

[0157] Mode A1: The terminal may obtain first precision information indicating the first precision. In this way, the terminal may determine the first precision based on the first precision information.

[0158] There are multiple ways for the terminal to obtain the first precision information, for example, way B1 or way B2.

[0159] Mode B1: The access network device sends first precision information to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the first precision information.

[0160] Exemplarily, the access network device may broadcast the first precision information. Thus, if the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the access network device, the terminal may receive the first precision information. For example, the access network device may broadcast (or send) a system message that may include the first precision information. Optionally, the terminal may receive and read the system message when registering to obtain the first precision information.

[0161] Optionally, before sending the first precision information to the terminal, the access network device may obtain the first precision information. In some examples, the first core network device may send the first precision information to the access network device; in turn, the access network device may receive the first precision information from the first core network device. In other examples, the access network device may obtain the first precision information stored in the access network device. For example, the first precision information may be pre-stored in the access network device. In still other examples, the access network device may obtain manually configured first precision information.

[0162] Through this method B1, the terminal can obtain the first precision information from the access network device, and thus can accurately determine the first precision based on the first precision information. In addition, in this method, the terminal does not need to store the first precision information, thereby saving storage resources of the terminal.

[0163] Method B2: The terminal can obtain the first precision information stored in the SIM card or NV. In this application, NV can also be referred to as the non-volatile memory of the mobile terminal (ME)

[0164] In some possible ways, the first precision information in the SIM card or NV may be pre-configured. For example, before issuing the SIM card, the operator or satellite company saves (or writes) the first precision information in the SIM card; in other words, the first precision information may be pre-saved (pre-written) in the SIM card. For another example, the manufacturer of the terminal may save (or write) the first precision information in the NV before the terminal leaves the factory; in other words, the first precision information may be pre-saved (pre-written) in the NV. In this way, the terminal can quickly obtain the first precision information saved in the SIM card or NV, and thus can accurately determine the first precision based on the first precision information. Moreover, in this way, the terminal may not obtain the first precision information from other devices (for example, access network devices), thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0165] In other possible methods, the terminal may save (or update) the first precision information to the SIM card or NV after receiving the first precision information. The specific content of the terminal receiving the first precision information can be referred to method B1 and will not be repeated here. Optionally, if the terminal can save the first precision information to the SIM card or NV, when starting the registration process (for example, the initial registration process), the terminal may first determine whether the first precision information is saved in the SIM card or NV. If the first precision information is saved in the SIM card or NV, the terminal can obtain the first precision information saved in the SIM card or NV; if the first precision information is not saved in the SIM card or NV, the terminal can obtain the first precision information through method B1. In this way, after receiving the first precision information once, the terminal can save the first precision information to the SIM card or NV. In this way, when the terminal starts the registration process, the terminal may no longer receive the first precision information. For example, the terminal may no longer read the system message including the first precision information, thereby saving the terminal the overhead of reading information, for example, saving the terminal the overhead of reading system messages.

[0166] Through this method B2, the terminal can quickly obtain the first precision information stored in the SIM card or NV, and thus can accurately determine the first precision according to the first precision information.

[0167] Mode A2: The first accuracy or the information about the first accuracy may be pre-set or specified by a protocol. Through this mode A2, the terminal may quickly and accurately determine the first accuracy.

[0168] Optionally, before determining the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the area, and the terminal's location, the terminal may first obtain information about the first rule. This may be done in a variety of ways, such as method C1 or method C2. In this case, determining the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the area, and the terminal's location can be expressed as determining the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy, information about the first rule, and the terminal's location.

[0169] Mode C1: The terminal may obtain first rule information indicating the first rule. In this way, the terminal may determine the first rule according to the first rule information.

[0170] There are multiple ways for the terminal to obtain the first rule information, for example, way D1 or way D2.

[0171] Mode D1: The access network device sends first rule information to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the first rule information.

[0172] The specific content of method D1 can refer to method B1, except that the first precision is replaced by the first rule, and the first precision information is replaced by the first rule information, which will not be repeated here.

[0173] Through this method D1, the terminal can obtain the first rule information from the access network device, and thus can accurately determine the first rule based on the first rule information. In addition, in this method, the terminal does not need to store the first rule information, thereby saving storage resources of the terminal.

[0174] Mode D2: The terminal obtains the first rule information stored in the SIM card or NV.

[0175] The specific content of method D2 can refer to method B2, except that the first precision is replaced by the first rule, and the first precision information is replaced by the first rule information, which will not be repeated here.

[0176] Through this method D2, the terminal can quickly obtain the first rule information stored in the SIM card or NV, and thus can accurately determine the first rule according to the first rule information.

[0177] Method C2: The first rule or the information of the first rule is pre-set or specified by the protocol. Through this method A2, the terminal can quickly and accurately determine the first rule.

[0178] It should be understood that when the terminal determines the identification information of the first area based on the first accuracy, the first rule for segmenting the area, and the location of the terminal, either method C1 or method C2 can be combined with either method A1 or method A2. When method D1 in method C1 is combined with method B1 in method A1, the order in which method D1 and method B1 are executed is not limited.

[0179] In other possible embodiments, the registration request may include the terminal's location information; in other words, the registration request may include information indicating the terminal's location. The terminal's location information may be the terminal's geographic location information. For example, the terminal's location information may include the longitude and latitude of the terminal's location.

[0180] S502: The access network device sends a registration request to the first core network device; correspondingly, the first core network device receives the registration request.

[0181] Exemplarily, the access network device may transparently transmit the registration request from the terminal to the first core network device; alternatively, the access network device may send the registration request to the first core network device after processing the registration request from the terminal (for example, adding a message header, etc.).

[0182] In some possible embodiments, if the registration request includes identification information of the first area where the terminal is located, then after receiving the registration request, the first core network device may determine the first area based on the identification information of the first area. Optionally, if the identification information of the first area is determined based on a first precision, the first core network device may determine the first area based on the first precision and the identification information of the first area. Exemplarily, if the identification information of the first area is determined based on a first precision, a first rule for segmenting areas, and the location of the terminal, the first core network device may determine the first area based on the first precision, the first rule, and the identification information of the first area.

[0183] For example, the first algorithm included in the first rule is the Geohash open source algorithm. The first precision is the number of bits indicating the longitude corresponding to each area, and the number of bits indicating the latitude corresponding to each area. If the first precision is 5, the identification information of the first area is obtained by alternating the 5 bits indicating the longitude of the first area and the 5 bits indicating the latitude of the first area, and the identification information of the first area includes: 1101111101, then the longitude corresponding to the first area is 67.5°~78.75°, and the latitude corresponding to the first area is 84.375°~90°.

[0184] For example, the first algorithm included in the first rule is the Uber H3 open source algorithm. The first precision is the number of layers of the segmented region. If the first precision is 2, and the identification information of the first region includes: 0001011100000, then at layer 0, the first region may be located in hexagon numbered 3 in base grid numbered 1. At layer 1, the first region may be located in hexagon numbered 4. At layer 2, the first region may be located in hexagon numbered 0.

[0185] For another example, if the first algorithm included in the first rule is the Google S2 algorithm, and the first precision is 30, the identification information of the first region may include: the identification information of surface #1 and the identification information of the Hilbert curve corresponding to square #1, and the identification information of surface #1 is 001, then the first region is square #1 in surface #1 numbered 1.

[0186] Optionally, before determining the first area based on the first precision and the identification information of the first area, the first core network device may obtain information with the first precision. This acquisition may be performed in various ways, such as method E1 or method E2. In this case, determining the first area based on the first precision and the identification information of the first area can be expressed as determining the first area based on the information with the first precision and the identification information of the first area.

[0187] Mode E1: The first core network device may receive (or obtain) first precision information indicating the first precision. In this way, the first core network device may determine the first precision based on the first precision information.

[0188] Optionally, the first core network device may receive the first precision information from a third-party device or a second core network device. The third-party device may be, for example, a device of a satellite company. The second core network device may be, for example, a UDM entity. Exemplarily, the UDM entity stores the terminal's subscription information, including the first precision information, and the first core network device may receive the first precision information from the UDM entity.

[0189] Through this method E1, the first core network device can obtain the first precision information, and thus can accurately determine the first precision based on the first precision information.

[0190] Mode E2: The first precision or the information about the first precision may be pre-set or specified by a protocol. Through this mode E2, the first core network device may quickly and accurately determine the first precision.

[0191] Optionally, before determining the first area based on the first precision, the first rule, and the identification information of the first area, the first core network device may further obtain information about the first rule. This may be done in various ways, such as method F1 or method F2. In this case, determining the first area based on the first precision, the first rule, and the identification information of the first area can be expressed as determining the first area based on the first precision, information about the first rule, and the identification information of the first area.

[0192] Mode F1: The first core network device may receive first rule information indicating a first rule.

[0193] The specific content of method F1 can refer to method E1, except that the first precision is replaced by the first rule, and the first precision information is replaced by the first rule information, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] Through this method F1, the first core network device can easily obtain the first rule information, and thus can accurately determine the first rule according to the first rule information.

[0195] Mode F2: The first rule or information about the first rule may be pre-set or specified by a protocol. Through this mode F2, the first core network device may quickly and accurately determine the first rule.

[0196] It should be understood that when the first core network device determines the first area based on the first accuracy, the first rule, and the identification information of the first area, either method E1 or method E2 can be combined with either method F1 or method F2. When method E1 and method F1 are combined, the order in which method E1 and method F1 are executed is not limited.

[0197] Optionally, S501 and S502 may be replaced by: the terminal sends a registration request; correspondingly, the first core network device receives the registration request.

[0198] S503: The first core network device sends a registration acceptance message; correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration acceptance message from the first core network device.

[0199] Optionally, the registration acceptance message may include a first area identifier list. The first area identifier list is, for example, an identifier list of a TA. This application does not limit the naming method of the first area identifier list. For example, the first area identifier list may be referred to as a TAI list (TAI list). The first area identifier list may be determined based on the registration request. For example, if the registration request includes the identification information of the first area where the terminal is located, the first area identifier list may be determined based on the identification information of the first area. For another example, if the registration request includes the location information of the terminal, the first area identifier list may be determined based on the location information of the terminal.

[0200] In some possible methods, the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined according to the first precision or the second precision. The specific content will be described in the following method H1 or method H2 and will not be expanded here.

[0201] S504: The access network device sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration acceptance message.

[0202] Exemplarily, the access network device may transparently transmit the registration acceptance message from the first core network device to the terminal; alternatively, the access network device may send the registration acceptance message to the terminal after processing the registration acceptance message from the first core network device (for example, adding a message header, etc.).

[0203] Optionally, S503 and S504 may be replaced by: the first core network device sends a registration acceptance message; correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration acceptance message.

[0204] In the method shown in Figure 5, the identification information of the first area can be determined based on the parameters used to segment the area (e.g., the first precision). In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area can be omitted from transmission between the terminal and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal can omit the information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0205] In some possible embodiments, the method shown in FIG5 further includes steps A1 and A2:

[0206] Step A1: The first core network device sends the first information; correspondingly, the access network device receives the first information from the first core network device.

[0207] The first information may include second precision information and / or second rule information. The second precision information may be used to indicate a second precision for segmenting the region, and the second rule information may be used to indicate a second rule for segmenting the region. Optionally, the second precision may be different from the first precision; and / or the second rule may be different from the first rule.

[0208] In some examples, the first information includes second precision information, and the second precision is different from the first precision. For example, the first precision is 5 and the second precision is 7.

[0209] In some other examples, the first information includes second rule information, and the second rule is different from the first rule. For example, the first rule includes the Geohash open source algorithm, and the second rule includes the Uber H3 open source algorithm.

[0210] In some examples, the first information includes second precision information and second rule information. The second precision is different from the first precision; and / or the second rule is different from the first rule. For example, the first precision is 5, the second precision is 7, and both the first rule and the second rule include the Geohash open source algorithm. For another example, the first precision and the second precision are both 5; the first rule includes the Geohash open source algorithm, and the second rule includes the Uber H3 open source algorithm. For another example, the first precision is 5, the second precision is 7, the first rule includes the Geohash open source algorithm, and the second rule includes the Uber H3 open source algorithm.

[0211] Optionally, before sending the first information, the first core network device may obtain the first information. Exemplarily, the first core network device may obtain the first information from a third-party device, such as a device of a satellite company.

[0212] Optionally, step A1 may be performed after step S502. In other words, after receiving the registration request, the first core network device may send the first information.

[0213] Step A2: The access network device sends first information to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information.

[0214] The first information can be carried in a traditional message or a new message. For example, the first information can be carried in a first message, which can be a registration acceptance message or a configuration update command (CUC). In this case, step A1 can be replaced by: the first core network device sends a first message, the first message including the first information; accordingly, the access network device receives the first message from the first core network device. Step A2 can be replaced by: the access network device sends the first message to the terminal; accordingly, the terminal receives the first message.

[0215] This application does not limit the order of steps A1 to A2 and S503 to S504.

[0216] For example, if the first message is a registration request message, steps A1 and S503 can be performed simultaneously, and steps A2 and S504 can be performed simultaneously. In this case, steps A1 and S503 can be combined as follows: the first core network device sends a registration accept message, which may include the first information; in response, the access network device receives the registration accept message from the first core network device. Steps A2 and S504 can be combined as follows: the access network device sends a registration accept message to the terminal; in response, the terminal receives the registration accept message.

[0217] For another example, if the first message is a configuration update command, steps A1 to A2 may be performed after steps S503 to S504.

[0218] Optionally, steps A1 to A2 may be replaced by: the first core network device sends the first information; correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information.

[0219] The parameters of the segmented area (e.g., accuracy and / or rules) may change. For example, in any of the following scenarios a1 to a3, the accuracy and / or rules of the segmented area may change. Through the method shown in steps A1 to A2, the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., accuracy and / or rules) can be flexibly adjusted, and the terminal can promptly obtain information indicating the updated parameters (e.g., second accuracy information and / or second rule information).

[0220] Scenario a1: The accuracy of the segmented regions corresponding to satellites at different orbital altitudes may vary. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, because the orbital altitude of medium-orbit satellites is higher than that of low-orbit satellites, the coverage range of the beam position of medium-orbit satellites may be greater than that of low-orbit satellites. If each beam position corresponds to one region, the accuracy of the segmented regions corresponding to medium-orbit satellites may be less than that corresponding to low-orbit satellites. Optionally, the rules for segmenting regions corresponding to satellites at different orbits may also differ.

[0221] Scenario a2: As shown in Figure 6B, after a satellite is upgraded, the coverage of the beam position may change. Therefore, the accuracy and / or rules of the segmentation area corresponding to the satellite may change.

[0222] Scenario a3: As the number of satellites increases, the coverage of a single satellite may decrease. If the number of beam positions corresponding to a single satellite remains unchanged, the beam position coverage may also change. Changes in beam position coverage may cause changes in the accuracy and / or rules of segmentation.

[0223] Optionally, when the terminal enters the registration state, the terminal may process the first information in a variety of ways, for example, way G1 or way G2.

[0224] Mode G1: When the terminal enters the deregistration state, the terminal may delete the first information.

[0225] Optionally, the terminal may enter the deregistration state when at least one of the following conditions is met: the terminal is powered off, a network device (e.g., an access network device or a core network device) sends a deregistration request to the terminal, or the terminal sends a deregistration request to the access network device, etc.

[0226] Through this method G1, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal can delete the first information. Thus, each time the terminal registers, it can use the identification information of the first region determined using the first precision. The first core network device can also determine the first region using the first precision. The precision used by the terminal and the first core network device is consistent, thereby enabling the terminal's registration process to proceed smoothly.

[0227] Mode G2: When the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal may update (or save) the first information to the SIM card.

[0228] The specific content of the terminal entering the deregistration state may refer to the description of the terminal entering the deregistration state in method G1, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] For example, if the first information includes the second precision information, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal may update the second precision information to the SIM card. Optionally, if the SIM card stores the first precision information, the terminal may delete the first precision information stored in the SIM card.

[0230] For example, if the first information includes the second rule information, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal may update the second rule information to the SIM card. Alternatively, if the SIM card stores the first rule information, the terminal may delete the first rule information stored in the SIM card.

[0231] For another example, if the first information includes second precision information and second rule information, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal may update the second precision information and second rule information to the SIM card. Optionally, if the first precision information and / or first rule information is stored in the SIM card, the terminal may delete the first precision information and / or first rule information stored in the SIM card.

[0232] In some implementations, if the terminal processes the first information through mode G2, in other words, if the terminal updates (or saves) the first information to the SIM card when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the first core network device may send the first information to the second core network device (e.g., UDM entity). The first information is used to update the contract information of the terminal; in other words, the second core network device may update the contract information of the terminal based on the first information. Exemplarily, the second core network device may update the contract information of the terminal, and the updated contract information includes the first information.

[0233] For example, if the first information includes the second precision information, the second core network device may update the terminal's subscription information, and the updated subscription information may include the second precision information. Optionally, if the subscription information before the update includes the first precision information, the second core network device may delete the first precision information from the subscription information; in other words, the updated subscription information may not include the first precision information.

[0234] For another example, if the first information includes the second rule information, the second core network device may update the terminal's subscription information, and the updated subscription information may include the second rule information. Optionally, if the subscription information before the update includes the first rule information, the second core network device may delete the first rule information from the subscription information; in other words, the updated subscription information may not include the first rule information.

[0235] For another example, if the first information includes second precision information and second rule information, the second core network device may update the terminal's subscription information, with the updated subscription information including the second precision information and the second rule information. Alternatively, if the subscription information before the update includes first precision information and / or first rule information, the second core network device may delete the first precision information and / or first rule information from the subscription information; in other words, the updated subscription information may not include the first precision information.

[0236] Optionally, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, or before the terminal enters the deregistered state, the first core network device may send the first information to the second core network device. If the first core network device sends the first information to the second core network device before the terminal enters the deregistered state, the order in which the first core network device sends the first information to the second core network device and step A1 are executed is not limited.

[0237] Through this method G2, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal can update (or save) the first information to the SIM card. In this way, the terminal can perform subsequent registration based on the latest parameters for segmenting the area (for example, the second precision and / or the second rule). In addition, the first core network device can send the first information to the second core network device to update the terminal's subscription information. In this way, the parameters for segmenting the area (for example, the second precision and / or the second rule) that can be used by the terminal and the first core network device are consistent, thereby implementing the terminal's registration process.

[0238] As described in S503, the registration acceptance message may include a first area identifier list. The identifier information in the first area identifier list may be determined in a variety of ways, for example, way H1 or way H2:

[0239] Mode H1: The identification information in the first area identification list may be determined according to a first precision. In this way, the first core network device may determine the identification information in the first area identification list according to the first precision.

[0240] Exemplarily, the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined based on a first precision and a first rule for segmenting areas. Thus, the first core network device may determine the identification information in the first area identification list based on the first precision and the first rule.

[0241] Assume that identification information #a1 is any identification information in the first area identification list, and the area indicated by identification information #a1 is area #a1. Identification information #a1 of area #a1 can be determined based on the first precision. For the specific content of "identification information #a1 of area #a1 can be determined based on the first precision", please refer to the description of "identification information of the first area can be determined based on the first precision" in S501, except that the execution subject is replaced from the terminal to the first core network device, the identification information of the first area is replaced by identification information #a1, the first area is replaced by area #a1, and the position of the terminal is replaced by the position of area #a1. No further details will be given here.

[0242] Optionally, after receiving the registration acceptance message, the terminal may determine the area indicated by the identification information in the first area identification list based on the first precision and the identification information in the first area identification list. For example, if the identification information in the first area identification list is determined based on the first precision and a first rule for segmenting the area, the terminal may determine the area indicated by the identification information in the first area identification list based on the first precision, the first rule, and the identification information in the first area identification list.

[0243] Assuming that identification information #a1 is any identification information in the first area identification list, the area indicated by identification information #a1 is area #a1. The terminal may determine area #a1 based on the first precision and identification information #a1 in area #a1. The determination method can refer to the description of "the first core network device may determine the first area based on the identification information of the first area" in S502, except that the first core network device is replaced by the terminal, the identification information of the first area is replaced by identification information #a1, and the first area is replaced by area #a1. No further details are given here.

[0244] Through this method H1, the identification information in the first area identification list can be determined based on the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., the first precision). In this way, the terminal and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device) do not need to transmit information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the first core network device does not need to store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0245] Mode H2: When the first information includes second-precision information, the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined according to the second precision. In this way, the first core network device may determine the identification information in the first area identification list according to the second precision.

[0246] Exemplarily, the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined based on the second precision and the rules for segmenting the area. Thus, the first core network device may determine the identification information in the first area identification list based on the second precision and the rules for segmenting the area. For example, if the first information also includes second rule information, the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined based on the second precision and the second rule. For another example, if the first information does not include second rule information, the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined based on the second precision and the first rule.

[0247] Assume that identification information #a1 is any identification information in the first area identification list, and the area indicated by identification information #a1 is area #a1. Identification information #a1 of area #a1 can be determined based on the second precision. For the specific content of "identification information #a1 of area #a1 can be determined based on the second precision", please refer to the description of "identification information of the first area can be determined based on the first precision" in S501, except that the execution subject is replaced from the terminal to the first core network device, the first precision is replaced by the second precision, the first rule is replaced by the rule for dividing the area, the identification information of the first area is replaced by identification information #a1, the first area is replaced by area #a1, and the position of the terminal is replaced by the position of area #a1. No further details will be given here.

[0248] Optionally, after receiving the registration acceptance message, the terminal may determine the area indicated by the identification information in the first area identification list based on the second precision and the identification information in the first area identification list. For example, if the identification information in the first area identification list is determined based on the second precision and a rule for segmenting the area (the first rule or the second rule), the terminal may determine the area indicated by the identification information in the first area identification list based on the second precision, the rule for segmenting the area, and the identification information in the first area identification list.

[0249] Assuming that identification information #a1 is any identification information in the first area identification list, the area indicated by identification information #a1 is area #a1. The terminal can determine area #a1 based on the second precision and identification information #a1 in area #a1. The determination method can refer to the description of "the first core network device can determine the first area based on the identification information of the first area" in S503, except that the execution subject is replaced from the first core network device to the terminal, the first precision is replaced by the second precision, the first rule is replaced by the rule for segmenting the area, the identification information of the first area is replaced by identification information #a1, and the first area is replaced by area #a1. No further details are given here.

[0250] Through this method H2, the identification information in the first area identification list can be determined based on the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., the second precision). In this way, the terminal and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device) do not need to transmit information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the first core network device does not need to store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0251] In addition, in this manner, the second precision may be indicated by the second precision information in the first information. In other words, the second precision may be the updated precision. Therefore, the identification information in the first area identification list may be determined based on the updated precision, allowing the terminal and the first core network device to segment areas based on the latest precision.

[0252] It should be understood that the scenarios in which the methods H1 and H2 are used may be different.

[0253] Exemplarily, the method H1 may be applicable to at least one of the following scenarios b1 to b3:

[0254] Scenario b1: The method shown in FIG5 does not include steps A1 to A2 described above; in other words, the accuracy and rules of the segmented regions are not updated.

[0255] Scenario b2: The method shown in FIG5 includes steps A1 to A2 above, but the first information does not include the second precision information; in other words, the precision of the segmented region is not updated.

[0256] Scenario b3: The method shown in Figure 5 includes steps A1 to A2 above, and S503 is before step A1; in other words, before the first core network device sends the registration acceptance message, the accuracy and rules of the segmented area are not updated; or, after the first core network device sends the registration acceptance message, the accuracy and / or rules of the segmented area are updated.

[0257] Exemplarily, the method H2 may be applicable to at least one of the following scenarios c1 or c2:

[0258] Scenario c1: The method shown in FIG5 includes steps A1 and A2 above, the first information includes the second precision information, and steps A1 and S503 are performed simultaneously. Optionally, the first information also includes second rule information.

[0259] Scenario c2: The method shown in Figure 5 includes steps A1 and A2 above. The first information includes the second precision information, and step A1 occurs before step S503. In other words, the precision of the segmented region has been updated before the first core network device sends the registration acceptance message. Optionally, the first information also includes second rule information.

[0260] In some possible embodiments, the method shown in FIG5 further includes steps B1 and B2:

[0261] Step B1: The first core network device sends identification information of at least one second area; correspondingly, the access network device receives identification information of at least one second area from the first core network device.

[0262] The at least one second area may be an area where terminal registration is prohibited. For example, the at least one second area may be at least one prohibited area.

[0263] The identification information of the at least one second region may be determined based on the third precision of the partitioned region. Thus, the first core network device may determine the identification information of the at least one second region based on the third precision. The at least one second region may be a partitioned region. For example, after the Earth's surface is partitioned into L regions based on the third precision, where L is a positive integer, the at least one second region may be at least one of the L regions.

[0264] Exemplarily, the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on the third precision and the location of the at least one second area. In this way, the first core network device can determine the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision and the location of the at least one second area. The location of the at least one second area can be the geographic location of the at least one second area, and the location of the at least one second area can be indicated by at least one of the following: the longitude and latitude of the location, or the coordinates of the location.

[0265] Through this method, the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., the third precision). In this way, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the terminal and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the first core network device may not store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0266] Optionally, the identification information of the at least one second area may be determined based on a third precision and a third rule for segmenting the area. Thus, the first core network device may determine the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision and the third rule. Exemplarily, the identification information of the at least one second area may be determined based on the third precision, the third rule, and the location of the at least one second area. Thus, the first core network device may determine the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision, the third rule, and the location of the at least one second area.

[0267] Assume that area #a2 is any area in the at least one second area. The identification information of area #a2 can be determined based on the third precision. For the specific content of "the identification information of area #a2 can be determined based on the third precision", please refer to the description of "the identification information of the first area can be determined based on the first precision" in S501, except that the execution subject is replaced from the terminal to the first core network device, the first area is replaced by area #a2, the position of the terminal is replaced by the position of area #a2, the first precision is replaced by the third precision, and the first rule is replaced by the third rule. No further details will be given here.

[0268] Optionally, before determining the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision, the first core network device may obtain information with the third precision. There are multiple ways to obtain the information, such as method I1 or method I2. In this case, determining the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision can be expressed as determining the identification information of the at least one second area based on the information with the third precision.

[0269] Mode I1: The first core network device may receive (or obtain) third precision information indicating the third precision. In this way, the first core network device may determine the third precision based on the third precision information.

[0270] The specific content of method I1 can be referred to method E1, except that the first precision is replaced by the third precision, and the first precision information is replaced by the third precision information, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] Through this method I1, the first core network device can obtain the third precision information, and thus can accurately determine the third precision based on the third precision information.

[0272] Method I2: The third precision or the information about the third precision is pre-set or specified by a protocol. Through this method I2, the first core network device can quickly and accurately determine the third precision.

[0273] Optionally, before determining the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision and the third rule, the first core network device may further obtain the third rule. This may be done in various ways, such as method J1 or method J2. In this case, determining the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision and the third rule can be expressed as determining the identification information of the at least one second area based on the third precision and the third rule.

[0274] Mode J1: The first core network device may receive (or obtain) third rule information indicating the third rule. In this way, the first core network device may determine the third rule according to the third rule information.

[0275] The specific content of method J1 can be referred to method F1, except that the first rule is replaced by the third rule, and the first rule information is replaced by the third rule information, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] Through this method J1, the first core network device can obtain the third rule information, and thus can accurately determine the third rule according to the third rule information.

[0277] Method J2: The third rule or the information about the third rule is pre-set or specified by a protocol. Through this method J2, the first core network device can quickly and accurately determine the third rule.

[0278] Optionally, the third precision is different from the first precision. For example, the third precision may be greater than the first precision; or the third precision may be less than the first precision. For example, the first precision is 5 and the third precision is 7.

[0279] The relationship between the at least one second region and the first region may be various, for example, relationship a1 and / or relationship a2:

[0280] Relationship a1: The shape of the at least one second region and the shape of the first region may be different.

[0281] In some examples, the shape of each of the at least one second region is different from the shape of the first region. For example, the shape of each of the at least one second region is a hexagon, and the shape of the first region is a spherical rectangle.

[0282] In some other examples, the at least one second region includes regions with different shapes from the first region and also includes regions with the same shape as the first region. For example, a portion of the at least one second region is pentagonal and another portion is hexagonal; the first region is hexagonal.

[0283] Relationship a2: the area of ​​each of the at least one second region may be smaller than the area of ​​the first region; in other words, the coverage of each of the at least one second region is smaller than the coverage of the first region.

[0284] Step B2: The access network device sends identification information of at least one second area to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives identification information of at least one second area.

[0285] Optionally, after receiving the identification information of the at least one second region, the terminal may determine the at least one second region based on the third precision and the identification information of the at least one second region. For example, if the identification information of the at least one second region is determined based on the third precision and a third rule for segmenting regions, the terminal may determine the at least one second region based on the third precision, the third rule, and the identification information of the at least one second region.

[0286] Assume that area #a2 is any area in the at least one second area. The terminal may determine area #a2 based on the third precision and the identification information of area #a2. The determination method can refer to the description of "the first core network device may determine the first area based on the identification information of the first area" in S502, except that the first core network device is replaced by the terminal, the first area is replaced by area #a2, the first precision is replaced by the third precision, and the first rule is replaced by the third rule. No further details are given here.

[0287] Optionally, before determining the at least one second area based on the third precision and the identification information of the at least one second area, the terminal may obtain the third precision information. This acquisition may be performed in various ways, such as method K1 or method K2. In this case, determining the at least one second area based on the third precision and the identification information of the at least one second area can be expressed as determining the at least one second area based on the third precision information and the identification information of the at least one second area.

[0288] Method K1: The terminal may obtain third precision information indicating the third precision. In this way, the terminal may determine the third precision based on the third precision information.

[0289] There are multiple ways for the terminal to obtain the third precision information, for example, way L1 or way L2.

[0290] Mode L1: The terminal can receive third-precision information.

[0291] Optionally, the third precision information may be carried in a registration acceptance message. Exemplarily, in S503 and S504, the registration acceptance message includes the third precision information.

[0292] Through this method L1, the terminal can receive the third precision information, and thus can accurately determine the third precision based on the third precision information. In addition, in this method, the terminal does not need to store the third precision information, thereby saving storage resources of the terminal.

[0293] Method L2: The terminal can obtain the third-precision information stored in the SIM card or NV.

[0294] The specific content of method L2 can refer to method B2, except that the first precision is replaced by the third precision, and the first precision information is replaced by the third precision information, which will not be repeated here.

[0295] Through this method L2, the terminal can quickly obtain the third precision information stored in the SIM card or NV, and thus can accurately determine the third precision based on the third precision information.

[0296] Method K2: The third precision or the information about the third precision is pre-set or specified in a protocol. By using this method K2, the terminal can quickly and accurately determine the third precision.

[0297] Optionally, before determining the at least one second area based on the third precision, the third rule, and the identification information of the at least one second area, the terminal may obtain information about the third rule. This may be done in various ways, such as method M1 or method M2. In this case, determining the at least one second area based on the third precision, the third rule, and the identification information of the at least one second area can be expressed as determining the at least one second area based on the third precision, information about the third rule, and the identification information of the at least one second area.

[0298] Mode M1: The terminal may obtain third rule information indicating the third rule, and thus the terminal may determine the third rule according to the third rule information.

[0299] There are multiple ways for the terminal to obtain the third rule information, for example, way N1 or way N2.

[0300] Mode N1: The terminal can receive the third rule information.

[0301] Optionally, the third rule information may be carried in a registration acceptance message. Exemplarily, in S503 and S504, the registration acceptance message includes the third rule information.

[0302] Through this method N1, the terminal can receive the third rule information, and thus can accurately determine the third rule according to the third rule information. In addition, in this method, the terminal does not need to store the third rule information, thereby saving storage resources of the terminal.

[0303] Method N2: The terminal may obtain the third rule information stored in the SIM card or NV.

[0304] The specific content of method N2 can refer to method D2, except that the first rule is replaced by the third rule, and the first rule information is replaced by the third rule information, which will not be repeated here.

[0305] Through this method N2, the terminal can quickly obtain the third rule information stored in the SIM card or NV, and thus can accurately determine the third rule according to the third rule information.

[0306] Mode M2: The third rule or the information about the third rule is pre-set or specified by the protocol. Through this mode M2, the terminal can quickly and accurately determine the third rule.

[0307] Optionally, step B1 and step B2 may be replaced by: the first core network device sends identification information of at least one second area; and correspondingly, the terminal receives identification information of at least one second area.

[0308] Through the method shown in steps B1 and B2, the first core network device can flexibly manage at least one second area (e.g., at least one prohibited area). In addition, in this method, the area of ​​at least one second area (e.g., at least one prohibited area) can be smaller than the area of ​​the first area (e.g., TA), thereby reasonably managing and configuring areas of different precisions and reasonably managing and configuring prohibited areas.

[0309] In some possible embodiments, the method shown in FIG5 further includes steps C1 to C2:

[0310] Step C1: The access network device may obtain second information.

[0311] The second information may include: information indicating the accuracy corresponding to the third area identifier list, and / or information indicating the rule corresponding to the third area identifier list.

[0312] The third area identifier list can be the same as or different from the first area identifier list. For example, the third area identifier list can be the first area identifier list. Alternatively, the third area identifier list can be a subset of the first area identifier list. The method for determining the identification information in the third area identifier list can refer to Method H1 or Method H2 above, except that the first area identifier list is replaced by the third area identifier list. This description is not repeated here.

[0313] The precision corresponding to the third area identification list may be the precision used to determine the identification information in the third area identification list; the rule corresponding to the third area identification list may be the rule used to determine the identification information in the third area identification list.

[0314] For example, if the identification information in the third area identification list is as shown in method H1 above, the precision corresponding to the third area identification list may be the first precision, the information used to indicate the precision corresponding to the third area identification list may be the first precision information, the rule corresponding to the third area identification list may be the first rule, and the information used to indicate the rule corresponding to the third area identification list may be the first rule information.

[0315] For example, if the identification information in the third area identification list is as shown in method H2 above, the precision corresponding to the third area identification list may be the second precision, the information used to indicate the precision corresponding to the third area identification list may be the second precision information, the rule corresponding to the third area identification list may be the first rule or the second rule, and the information used to indicate the rule corresponding to the third area identification list may be the first rule information or the second rule information.

[0316] The access network device can obtain the second information in various ways, as illustrated below. In some examples, the first core network device may send the second information; in turn, the access network device may receive the second information from the first core network device. In other examples, the access network device may obtain the second information stored in the access network device. For example, the second information may be pre-stored in the access network device. In still other examples, the access network device may obtain the second information manually configured.

[0317] The second message may be carried in a traditional message (eg, a paging message, a registration acceptance message, or a configuration update command), or in a new message.

[0318] Step C2: The access network device may send a paging message according to the second information and the third area identifier list.

[0319] Optionally, the access network device may send a paging message within at least one area based on the second information and the third area identifier list. The at least one area may be the area indicated by the identifier information in the third area identifier list; in other words, the at least one area may be determined based on the precision corresponding to the third area identifier list and the identifier information in the third area identifier list. Thus, the access network device may determine the at least one area based on the precision corresponding to the third area identifier list and the identifier information in the third area identifier list. Exemplarily, the at least one area may be determined based on the precision corresponding to the third area identifier list, the rules corresponding to the third area identifier list, and the identifier information in the third area identifier list. Thus, the access network device may determine the at least one area based on the precision corresponding to the third area identifier list, the rules corresponding to the third area identifier list, and the identifier information in the third area identifier list.

[0320] Assume that area #a3 is any area in the at least one area. The access network device can determine area #a3 based on the identification information of area #a3. The determination method can refer to the description of "the first core network device can determine the first area based on the identification information of the first area" in S502, except that the first core network device is replaced by the access network device, the first area is replaced by area #a3, the first precision is replaced by the precision corresponding to the third area identification list, and the first rule is replaced by the rule corresponding to the third area identification list. No further details are given here.

[0321] The third area identifier list may be obtained by the access network device from the first core network device. For example, the third area identifier list is the same as the first area identifier list. In S503, the access network device may obtain the third area identifier list from a registration acceptance message from the first core network device. For another example, the access network device may obtain the third area identifier list from a paging message from the first core network device.

[0322] Through the method shown in steps C1 and C2, the access network device can send a paging message based on the parameters used to segment the regions (e.g., the accuracy and / or rules indicated by the second information). This eliminates the need for the access network device to receive information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to that region, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, the access network device can eliminate the need to store information indicating the correspondence between each region and the identification information corresponding to that region, thereby reducing storage resources.

[0323] Optionally, the method shown in steps C1 to C2 may also be independent of the method shown in FIG. 5 ; in other words, the present application also provides a communication method including steps C1 to C2.

[0324] In some possible embodiments, the method shown in FIG5 further includes step D1:

[0325] Step D1: When the terminal moves out of the area indicated by the first area identification list, the terminal triggers a mobile registration process.

[0326] Exemplarily, the areas indicated by the first area identifier list include: the first area and area # 1. When the terminal moves out of the first area and area # 1, the terminal may trigger a mobile registration process.

[0327] Optionally, when the terminal moves out of the area indicated by the first area identifier list, if the terminal is located in area #2, the terminal may execute step S501. The registration request may include identification information of area #2, where the identification information of area #2 is determined based on the first accuracy; or the registration request may include the location information of the terminal.

[0328] In this way, when the terminal moves out of the area indicated by the first area identification list, the terminal can re-initiate the registration process.

[0329] The present application provides another communication method. FIG7 is a flow chart of the communication method provided in the present application. The method is a possible example of the method shown in FIG5. In this method, the terminal may obtain first precision information indicating a first precision from the SIM card. As shown in FIG7, the method includes:

[0330] S701: The terminal obtains first-precision information stored in the SIM card.

[0331] The first precision information may be pre-configured. For example, the operator or satellite company saves (or writes) the first precision information in the SIM card before issuing the SIM card. In other words, the first precision information may be pre-saved (pre-written) in the SIM card.

[0332] Optionally, the terminal may further determine a first rule for segmenting the area.

[0333] In some embodiments, the terminal may obtain first rule information indicating the first rule stored in the SIM card. The first rule information may be pre-configured. For example, the operator or satellite company may store (or write) the first rule information in the SIM card before issuing the SIM card. In other words, the first rule information may be pre-stored (pre-written) in the SIM card.

[0334] In other embodiments, the first rule may be preset or specified by an agreement.

[0335] S702: The terminal sends a registration request; correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request.

[0336] The registration request may include identification information of the first area where the terminal is located. For the specific content of the identification information of the first area, reference may be made to the description of the identification information of the first area in S501, which will not be repeated here.

[0337] S703: The access network device sends a registration request to the first core network device; correspondingly, the first core network device receives the registration request.

[0338] The specific content of S703 can be referred to S502, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0339] Optionally, S702 and S703 may be replaced by: the terminal sends a registration request; correspondingly, the first core network device receives the registration request.

[0340] S704: The first core network device sends a registration acceptance message; correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration acceptance message from the first core network device.

[0341] S705: The access network device sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration acceptance message.

[0342] The specific contents of S704 to S705 can be referred to S503 to S504, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0343] Optionally, the registration process from S702 to S705 may be an initial registration process, and the initial registration process may be the first registration process after the terminal is powered on.

[0344] In some possible embodiments, if the first core network device obtains the first information before sending the registration acceptance message, the registration acceptance message in S704 and S705 may include the first information. The first information may include second precision information and / or second rule information. The second precision information can be used to indicate the second precision of the segmented area, and the second rule information can be used to indicate the second rule of the segmented area. For the specific content of the first information, refer to the description of the first information in steps A1 to A2. For the specific content of the first information obtained by the first core network device, refer to the description of the first core network device being able to obtain the first information in step A1, which will not be repeated here.

[0345] In other possible manners, if the first core network device obtains the first information after sending the registration acceptance message, the method shown in FIG7 may further include S706 to S707:

[0346] S706: The first core network device sends a configuration update command; correspondingly, the access network device receives the configuration update command from the first core network device.

[0347] The configuration update command may include first information.

[0348] S707: The access network device sends a configuration update command to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the configuration update command.

[0349] The specific content of S706 to S707 can refer to S503 to S504, except that the registration acceptance message is replaced by the configuration update command, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] Optionally, after S705 and / or S707, the method shown in FIG7 further includes S708:

[0351] S708: When the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal may delete the first information.

[0352] The specific content of S708 can be referred to method G1 and will not be repeated here.

[0353] In the method shown in Figure 7, first precision information indicating a first precision is stored in the SIM card. In this way, the terminal can determine the identification information of the first area where the terminal is located based on the first precision, and thus can register based on the identification information of the first area. In this method, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the terminal and the network device (for example, the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal may not store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0354] In addition, the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., precision and / or rules) may change. In this method, the registration acceptance message or configuration update command can carry the updated parameters of the segmented area, thereby flexibly adjusting the parameters of the segmented area, and the terminal can promptly obtain information indicating the updated parameters (e.g., second precision information and / or second rule information).

[0355] An embodiment of the present application provides another communication method. FIG8 is a flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is another possible example of the method shown in FIG5 . In this method, the terminal may obtain first precision information indicating a first precision from the SIM card. Unlike the method shown in FIG7 , in the method shown in FIG8 , the terminal may save the updated precision information and / or rule information to the SIM card. As shown in FIG8 , the method includes:

[0356] S801 to S807: Same as S701 to S707.

[0357] Optionally, after S805 and / or S807, the method shown in FIG8 further includes S808 to S810:

[0358] S808: When the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal may update (or save) the first information to the SIM card.

[0359] The specific content of S808 can be referred to method G2 and will not be repeated here.

[0360] S809: The first core network device sends first information to the second core network device (eg, UDM entity).

[0361] The first information is used to update the contract information of the terminal.

[0362] This application does not limit the execution order of S809 and S804; this application does not limit the execution order of S809 and S806.

[0363] S810: The second core network device updates the subscription information of the terminal according to the first information.

[0364] The specific content of S810 can refer to the description of "the second core network device can update the contract information of the terminal according to the first information" in method G2, which will not be repeated here.

[0365] The method shown in FIG8 can achieve the effect of the method shown in FIG7 , and the repeated parts are not repeated here.

[0366] In addition, in the method shown in FIG8, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal may update (or save) the first information to the SIM card. In this way, the terminal may perform subsequent registration based on the latest parameters for segmenting the region (e.g., the second accuracy and / or the second rule).

[0367] The present application provides another communication method. FIG9 is a flow chart of the communication method provided in the present application. This method is another possible example of the method shown in FIG5. In this method, the terminal may receive first precision information indicating a first precision from the access network device. As shown in FIG9, the method includes:

[0368] S901: The access network device sends first precision information to the terminal; accordingly, the terminal may receive the first precision information.

[0369] The specific content of S901 can be referred to method B1 and will not be repeated here.

[0370] Optionally, the terminal may further determine a first rule for segmenting the area.

[0371] In some methods, the access network device sends first rule information indicating the first rule to the terminal; accordingly, the terminal may receive the first rule information. The specific content of this method can be referred to method D1 and will not be repeated here.

[0372] In other embodiments, the first rule may be preset or specified by an agreement.

[0373] S902 to S908: Same as S702 to S708.

[0374] In the method shown in Figure 9, the access network device may send parameters of the segmented area (for example, first precision information indicating the first precision) to the terminal. In this way, the terminal can determine the identification information of the first area where the terminal is located based on the parameters of the segmented area, and thus can register based on the identification information of the first area. In this method, information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area may not be transmitted between the terminal and the network device (for example, the access network device and / or the first core network device), thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the terminal may not store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0375] In addition, the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., precision and / or rules) may change. In this method, the registration acceptance message or configuration update command can carry the updated parameters of the segmented area, thereby flexibly adjusting the parameters of the segmented area, and the terminal can promptly obtain information indicating the updated parameters (e.g., second precision information and / or second rule information).

[0376] An embodiment of the present application provides another communication method. Figure 10 is a flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is another possible example of the method shown in Figure 5. In this method, the terminal may receive first precision information indicating a first precision from an access network device. Unlike the method shown in Figure 9, in the method shown in Figure 10, after receiving the first precision information, the terminal may save the first precision information to a SIM card or NV. As shown in Figure 10, the method includes:

[0377] S1001: The access network device sends first precision information to the terminal; accordingly, the terminal may receive the first precision information.

[0378] The specific content of S1001 can be referred to method S901 and will not be repeated here.

[0379] S1002: The terminal saves the first precision information to the SIM card or NV.

[0380] Optionally, if in S1001, the access network device further sends first rule information indicating the first rule to the terminal, the terminal may further save the first rule information to the SIM card or NV.

[0381] S1003: The terminal sends a registration request; correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request.

[0382] The registration request may include identification information of the first area where the terminal is located. For the specific content of the identification information of the first area, reference may be made to the description of the identification information of the first area in S501, which will not be repeated here.

[0383] Optionally, when starting a registration process (e.g., an initial registration process), the terminal may first determine whether the first precision information is stored in the SIM card or NV. If the first precision information is stored in the SIM card or NV, the terminal may obtain the first precision information stored in the SIM card or NV; if the first precision information is not stored in the SIM card or NV, the terminal may obtain the first precision information through S1001 and, after obtaining the first precision information, execute S1002.

[0384] Optionally, when starting a registration process (e.g., an initial registration process), the terminal may also determine whether the first rule information is stored in the SIM card or NV. If the first rule information is stored in the SIM card or NV, the terminal may obtain the first rule information stored in the SIM card or NV; if the first rule information is not stored in the SIM card or NV, the terminal may obtain the first rule information through S1001 and, after obtaining the first rule information, execute S1002.

[0385] S1004 to S1009: Same as S703 to S708.

[0386] The present application does not limit the execution order of S1002 and S1003 to S1008. For example, S1002 can occur at any time before S1009.

[0387] The method shown in FIG10 can achieve the effect of the method shown in FIG9 , and the repeated parts are not repeated here.

[0388] In addition, in the method shown in Figure 10, after receiving the first precision information once, the terminal can save the first precision information to the SIM card or NV. In this way, when the terminal starts the registration process, the terminal may no longer receive the first precision information. For example, the terminal may no longer read the system message including the first precision information, thereby saving the terminal's overhead of reading information, for example, saving the terminal's overhead of reading system messages.

[0389] An embodiment of the present application provides another communication method. Figure 11 is a flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is another possible example of the method shown in Figure 5. In this method, the terminal may receive first precision information indicating a first precision from an access network device. Unlike the method shown in Figure 9, in the method shown in Figure 11, after receiving the first precision information, the terminal may save the first precision information to a SIM card or NV. Unlike the method shown in Figure 10, in the method shown in Figure 11, the terminal may save the updated precision information and / or rule information to a SIM card. As shown in Figure 11, the method includes:

[0390] S1101 to S1108: Same as S1001 to S1008.

[0391] S1109 to S1111: Same as S808 to S810.

[0392] The method shown in FIG11 can achieve the effect of the method shown in FIG10 , and the repeated parts are not repeated here.

[0393] The present application does not limit the execution order of S1102 and S1103 to S1108, and S1110 to S1111. For example, S1102 can occur at any time before S1109.

[0394] In addition, in the method shown in Figure 11, when the terminal enters the deregistered state, the terminal can update (or save) the first information to the SIM card. In this way, the terminal can perform subsequent registration based on the latest parameters for segmenting the area (e.g., the second accuracy and / or the second rule).

[0395] The present application provides another communication method. Figure 12 is a flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in the present application, which is another possible example of the method shown in Figure 5. In this method, the terminal may receive identification information for at least one second area, where the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on a third precision. As shown in Figure 12, the method includes:

[0396] S1201: The terminal sends a registration request; correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request.

[0397] S1202: The access network device sends a registration request to the first core network device; correspondingly, the first core network device receives the registration request.

[0398] The specific contents of S1201 to S1202 can be referred to S501 to S502 and will not be repeated here.

[0399] S1203: The first core network device sends a registration acceptance message; correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration acceptance message from the first core network device.

[0400] S1204: The access network device sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration acceptance message.

[0401] The specific contents of S1203 to S1204 can be referred to S503 to S504, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0402] The registration acceptance message may include identification information of at least one second zone. For details about the at least one second zone, refer to the description of the at least one second zone in step B1. For details about the identification information of the at least one second zone, refer to the description of the identification information of the at least one second zone in step B1, and are not further described here.

[0403] Optionally, the registration acceptance message may further include third precision information indicating the third precision. The manner in which the first core network device determines the third precision may be referred to the description of "the first core network device may determine the third precision" in step B1, and will not be repeated here.

[0404] Optionally, the registration acceptance message may further include third rule information indicating a third rule for partitioning the area. The manner in which the first core network device determines the third rule may be referred to the description of "the first core network device may determine the third rule" in step B1, and will not be repeated here.

[0405] S1205: The terminal may determine the at least one second area according to the third accuracy and identification information of the at least one second area.

[0406] For the specific content of S1205, please refer to the description of "the terminal may determine the at least one second area according to the third accuracy and the identification information of the at least one second area" in step B2, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] Optionally, the terminal may not perform (or initiate) registration within the at least one second area; in other words, within the at least one second area, the terminal cannot send a registration request.

[0408] Through the method shown in Figure 12, the identification information of the at least one second area is determined based on the parameters of the segmented area (e.g., the third precision). In this way, the terminal and the network device (e.g., the access network device and / or the first core network device) do not need to transmit information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving signaling overhead. In addition, the first core network device does not need to store information indicating the correspondence between each area and the identification information corresponding to the area, thereby saving storage resources.

[0409] In addition, the first core network device can flexibly manage at least one second area (e.g., at least one prohibited area). Optionally, in this method, the area of ​​at least one second area (e.g., at least one prohibited area) can be smaller than the area of ​​the first area (e.g., TA), thereby reasonably managing and configuring areas of different precisions and reasonably managing and configuring prohibited areas.

[0410] Based on the same technical concept as the above-mentioned method embodiment, the embodiment of the present application provides a corresponding communication device, which can be used to perform the functions of the relevant steps in the above-mentioned method embodiment. This function can be implemented by hardware, can be implemented by software, or can be implemented by hardware executing the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions. The communication device can be a terminal, or can be a module in the terminal (such as a circuit or chip), or can be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal or access network device; or the communication device can be a first core network device or a module in the first core network device (such as a circuit or chip), or can be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first core network device; or the communication device can be an access network device or a module in the access network device (such as a circuit or chip), or can be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0411] In one possible implementation, the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG13 , and includes a processing unit 1302. Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface unit 1301. The functions of each unit in the communication device 1300 are described below.

[0412] The interface unit 1301 is used to input and / or output information. Input information can be replaced by receiving information, and output information can be replaced by sending information. When outputting information, the interface unit 1301 can output information to other devices outside the communication device 1300, or it can output information to other units in the communication device 1300. In some embodiments, the interface unit 1301 can be implemented by at least one of a physical interface, a communication module, a communication interface, and an input / output interface. In other embodiments, the interface unit 1301 can be implemented by an interface circuit, for example, a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module may include one or more of at least one antenna, at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier (LNA), etc.

[0413] The processing unit 1302 can be used to support the communication device 1300 in performing the processing actions in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The processing unit 1302 can be implemented by one or more processors. For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0414] In one embodiment, the communication device 1300 is applied to the terminal in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processing unit 1302 in this embodiment are introduced below.

[0415] Processing unit 1302 is used to: send a registration request through interface unit 1301; receive a registration acceptance message through interface unit 1301; wherein the registration request includes identification information of the first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area is determined according to the first precision; and / or, the registration acceptance message includes a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list is determined according to the first precision or the second precision.

[0416] In some possible methods, the processing unit 1302 is also used to: obtain first precision information indicating the first precision, and the processing unit 1302 is specifically used for at least one of the following: obtaining the first precision information saved in the SIM card or NV; or receiving the first precision information through the interface unit 1301.

[0417] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: after receiving the first precision information, save the first precision information to a SIM card or NV.

[0418] In some possible methods, the processing unit 1302 is also used to: obtain first rule information indicating the first rule, and the processing unit 1302 is specifically used for at least one of the following: obtaining the first rule information saved in the SIM card or NV; or receiving the first rule information through the interface unit 1301.

[0419] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: after receiving the first rule information, save the first rule information to a SIM card or NV.

[0420] In some implementations, the processing unit 1302 is further used to: receive first information through the interface unit 1301, the first information including second precision information and / or second rule information, the second precision information is used to indicate the second precision of the segmented area, and the second rule information is used to indicate the second rule of the segmented area.

[0421] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is specifically configured to: receive a first message through the interface unit 1301 , where the first message includes first information and is a registration acceptance message or a configuration update command.

[0422] In some possible manners, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: delete the first information when the terminal enters a deregistered state; or update the first information to the SIM card when the terminal enters a deregistered state.

[0423] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: trigger a mobile registration process when the terminal moves out of the area indicated by the first area identifier list.

[0424] In another embodiment, the communication device 1300 is applied to the first core network device in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processing unit 1302 in this embodiment are introduced below.

[0425] Processing unit 1302 is used to: receive a registration request through interface unit 1301; send a registration acceptance message through interface unit 1301; wherein the registration request includes identification information of a first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area is determined based on a first precision; and / or, the registration acceptance message includes a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list is determined based on the first precision or the second precision.

[0426] In some possible embodiments, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: receive, through the interface unit 1301 , first precision information indicating the first precision.

[0427] In some other possible manners, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: receive, through the interface unit 1301 , first rule information indicating the first rule.

[0428] In some implementations, the processing unit 1302 is also used to: send first information through the interface unit 1301, the first information including second precision information and / or second rule information, the second precision information is used to indicate the second precision of the segmented area, and the second rule information is used to indicate the second rule of the segmented area.

[0429] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is specifically configured to: send a first message through the interface unit 1301, where the first message includes first information and is a registration acceptance message or a configuration update command.

[0430] In some possible embodiments, the processing unit 1302 is further used to: send first information to the second core network device through the interface unit 1301, where the first information is used to update the subscription information of the terminal.

[0431] In yet another embodiment, the communication device 1300 is applied to the access network device in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processing unit 1302 in this embodiment are introduced below.

[0432] Processing unit 1302 is used to: obtain third information through interface unit 1301, the third information including: first precision information indicating first precision, and / or first rule information indicating a first rule for segmenting an area; and send the third information to the terminal through interface unit 1301.

[0433] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is specifically used to: receive third information from the first core network device through the interface unit 1301.

[0434] In yet another embodiment, the communication device 1300 is applied to the access network device in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processing unit 1302 in this embodiment are introduced below.

[0435] Processing unit 1302 is used to: obtain second information through interface unit 1301, the second information including: information indicating the accuracy corresponding to the third area identifier list, and / or information indicating the rules corresponding to the third area identifier list; and send a paging message through interface unit 1301 based on the second information and the third area identifier list.

[0436] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is specifically used to: receive second information from the first core network device through the interface unit 1301.

[0437] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: receive a third area identifier list from the first core network device through the interface unit 1301 .

[0438] Optionally, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to: receive a paging message from the first core network device through the interface unit 1301, where the paging message includes the third area identifier list and / or the second information.

[0439] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1302 and the interface unit 1301 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in FIG5 , and is not repeated here.

[0440] It should be noted that the division of modules in the above embodiments of the present application is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a processing unit, or may exist separately physically, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The above-mentioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0441] If the above-mentioned integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0442] In one possible implementation, the communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG14 . The communication device 1400 includes a processor 1402. Optionally, the communication device 1400 also includes an interface circuit 1401 and a memory 1403. The interface circuit 1401, the processor 1402, and the memory 1403 are coupled to each other.

[0443] Optionally, the interface circuit 1401, the processor 1402, and the memory 1403 are coupled to each other via a bus 1404. Bus 1404 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus. Buses can be classified as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, FIG14 shows only one thick line, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0444] Interface circuit 1401 is used to input and / or output information. Inputting information can be replaced by receiving information, and outputting information can be replaced by sending information. When outputting information, interface circuit 1401 can output information to other devices outside of communication device 1400, or to other units within communication device 1400. Exemplarily, interface circuit 1401 can be implemented via at least one of a physical interface, a communication module, a communication interface, an input / output interface, and a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module may include one or more of at least one antenna, at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, an LNA, and the like.

[0445] Processor 1402 can be used to support communication device 1400 in executing the processing actions in the above-described method embodiments. When communication device 1400 is used to implement the above-described method embodiments, processor 1402 can also be used to implement the functions of processing unit 1302. Processor 1402 can be a CPU, other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0446] In one embodiment, the communication device 1400 is applied to the terminal in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processor 1402 in this embodiment are introduced below.

[0447] Processor 1402 is used to: send a registration request through interface circuit 1401; receive a registration acceptance message through interface circuit 1401; wherein the registration request includes identification information of a first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area is determined according to a first precision; and / or, the registration acceptance message includes a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list is determined according to the first precision or the second precision.

[0448] In another embodiment, the communication apparatus 1400 is applied to the first core network device in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processor 1402 in this embodiment are introduced below.

[0449] Processor 1402 is used to: receive a registration request through interface circuit 1401; send a registration acceptance message through interface circuit 1401; wherein the registration request includes identification information of a first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area is determined according to a first precision; and / or, the registration acceptance message includes a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list is determined according to the first precision or the second precision.

[0450] In yet another embodiment, the communication apparatus 1400 is applied to the access network device in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processor 1402 in this embodiment are described below.

[0451] Processor 1402 is used to: obtain third information through interface circuit 1401, the third information including: first precision information indicating first precision, and / or first rule information indicating a first rule for segmenting an area; and send the third information to the terminal through interface circuit 1401.

[0452] In yet another embodiment, the communication apparatus 1400 is applied to the access network device in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 5. The specific functions of the processor 1402 in this embodiment are described below.

[0453] Processor 1402 is configured to obtain second information through interface circuit 1401, where the second information includes information indicating an accuracy corresponding to the third area identifier list and / or information indicating a rule corresponding to the third area identifier list; and send a paging message through interface circuit 1401 based on the second information and the third area identifier list.

[0454] The specific functions of the processor 1402 can refer to the description of the communication method provided in the above embodiments and examples of the present application, as well as the specific functional description of the communication device 1300 in the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 13, and will not be repeated here.

[0455] Memory 1403 is used to store program instructions and / or data, etc. Specifically, the program instructions may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. Memory 1403 may include RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as at least one disk storage. Processor 1402 executes the program instructions stored in memory 1403, and uses the data stored in memory 1403 to implement the above functions, thereby realizing the communication method provided in the above embodiment of the present application. Memory 1403 can be integrated with processor 1402, or it can be a memory outside the communication device.

[0456] It will be appreciated that the memory 1403 in FIG. 14 of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a ROM, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to comprise, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0457] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product including computer-executable instructions. When the computer program product is run, the method provided in the above embodiments is executed.

[0458] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer executes the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0459] The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer.

[0460] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which is used to read a computer program stored in a memory to implement the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0461] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application provide a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device to implement the functions involved in each device in the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing the necessary programs and data for the computer device. The chip system can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0462] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is any logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0463] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0464] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0465] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0466] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0467] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

[0468] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Send a registration request; Receive registration acceptance message; The registration request includes identification information of the first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area is determined according to the first precision; and / or the registration acceptance message includes a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list is determined according to the first precision or the second precision.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The identification information of the first area is determined according to a first precision and includes: The identification information of the first area is determined according to the first accuracy, a first rule for dividing an area, and a location of the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further comprises: Acquiring first precision information indicating the first precision, wherein acquiring the first precision information indicating the first precision includes at least one of the following: Obtaining the first-precision information stored in a subscriber identity module SIM card or a non-disposable memory NV; or The first precision information is received.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein After receiving the first precision information, the method further includes: The first precision information is saved to a SIM card or NV.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein Also includes: Acquiring first rule information indicating the first rule, wherein acquiring the first rule information indicating the first rule includes at least one of the following: Obtain the first rule information stored in the SIM card or NV; or receive the first rule information.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein After receiving the first rule information, the method further includes: Save the first rule information to the SIM card or NV.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein The first rule is preset or specified by an agreement.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The method further comprises: First information is received, where the first information includes second precision information and / or second rule information, where the second precision information is used to indicate the second precision for segmenting the region, and the second rule information is used to indicate a second rule for segmenting the region.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein Receiving first information, including: A first message is received, where the first message includes the first information, and the first message is the registration acceptance message or a configuration update command.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the terminal enters a deregistered state, deleting the first information; or When the terminal enters the deregistered state, the first information is updated to the SIM card.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the terminal moves out of the area indicated by the first area identification list, a mobile registration process is triggered.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receive registration requests; Send registration acceptance message; The registration request includes identification information of the first area where the terminal is located, and the identification information of the first area is determined according to the first precision; and / or the registration acceptance message includes a first area identification list, and the identification information in the first area identification list is determined according to the first precision or the second precision.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The identification information of the first area is determined according to a first precision and includes: The identification information of the first area is determined according to the first accuracy, a first rule for dividing an area, and a location of the terminal.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The method further includes: receiving first precision information indicating the first precision; or The first accuracy is preset or specified by a protocol.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes: receiving first rule information indicating the first rule; or The first rule is preset or specified by an agreement.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: First information is sent, where the first information includes second precision information and / or second rule information, where the second precision information is used to indicate the second precision of the segmented area, and the second rule information is used to indicate a second rule for segmenting the area.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein Send the first message, including: A first message is sent, where the first message includes the first information, and the first message is the registration acceptance message or the configuration update command.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The method further comprises: The first information is sent to the second core network device, where the first information is used to update the subscription information of the terminal.

19. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Acquire third information, the third information including: first precision information indicating a first precision, and / or first rule information indicating a first rule for segmenting the region; The third information is sent to the terminal.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein Obtaining third-party information also includes: Receive the third information from the first core network device.

21. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Acquire second information, where the second information includes: information indicating an accuracy corresponding to the third area identifier list, and / or information indicating a rule corresponding to the third area identifier list; A paging message is sent according to the second information and the third area identifier list.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein Obtaining the second information further includes: Receive the second information from the first core network device.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: Also includes: The third area identifier list is received from the first core network device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or comprising a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or comprising a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 19 to 20, or comprising a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or performs the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or performs the method according to any one of claims 19 to 20, or performs the method according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: including one or more of a first device, a second device, and a third device, The first device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The second device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18; The third device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 19-20; or the third device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 21-23.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is implemented.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is implemented.

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