Communication method, apparatus, device and system, chip and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, device and system, a chip and a storage medium. The method comprises: when a first terminal requests an IMS call with a second terminal, a first network element determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite or not, wherein the satellite comprises a first UPF; and when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, sending an indication message to a second network element, wherein the indication message is used for indicating that the first terminal and the second terminal meet conditions for conducting the IMS call by means of the satellite. Therefore, the second network element can easily know from the indication information that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting the IMS call by means of the satellite, and the first terminal and the second terminal can directly carry out the IMS call by means of the satellite, thereby reducing the transmission delay of the first terminal and the second terminal during the IMS call by means of a satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Description

Communication method, device, equipment, system, chip and storage medium

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 22, 2024, with application number 202410341259.6 and application name “Communication Method, Device, Equipment, System, Chip and Storage Medium,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, device, system, chip, and storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Currently, with the introduction of Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) calls in satellite communication networks, the media plane data transmission path for an IMS call between a first and second terminal is typically: first terminal → satellite → terrestrial User Plane Function (UPF) → calling Session Border Controller (SBC) → called SBC → terrestrial UPF → satellite → second terminal. However, this long transmission path for an IMS call between the first and second terminals results in low call efficiency when the first and second terminals conduct an IMS call over a satellite communication network.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, device, system, chip, and storage medium to solve the technical problem of low call efficiency when a first terminal and a second terminal conduct an IMS call via a satellite communication network.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied in a first network element, and the method includes: receiving a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function (UPF); and when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, sending an indication message to the second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet conditions for conducting an IMS call through the satellite.

[0007] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied in a second network element. The method includes: receiving an indication message sent by a first network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; and sending the indication message to a third network element.

[0008] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied in a third network element, and the method includes: receiving an indication message sent by a second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that a first terminal and a second terminal meet conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; sending a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied in a first terminal, and the method includes: sending a first session invitation request to a first network element, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS call with a second terminal; receiving a response message sent by the first network element for the first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function UPF on the satellite, and the response message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; and conducting an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied in a second terminal, and the method includes: receiving a second session invitation request sent by a first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request for the first terminal to conduct an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS call with the second terminal; sending a response message to the first network element for the second session invitation request; receiving a session update message sent by the first network element, wherein the session update message includes: address information of a first user plane function UPF on a satellite, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are both connected to the satellite; and conducting an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied in the first user plane function UPF of a satellite, and the method includes: receiving a notification message sent by a third network element, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF; receiving media plane data of the IMS call of the first terminal, and forwarding the media plane data to the second terminal, or receiving media plane data of the IMS call of the second terminal, and forwarding the media plane data to the first terminal.

[0012] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied in a first network element, and the device includes: a receiving module for receiving a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS call with a second terminal; a determination module for determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; a sending module for sending an indication message to the second network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call through the satellite.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied in a second network element, and the device includes: a receiving module for receiving an indication message sent by a first network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; and a sending module for sending the indication message to a third network element.

[0014] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is used in a third network element, and the device includes: receiving an indication message sent by a second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that a first terminal and a second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; sending a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0015] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied in a first terminal, and the device includes: a sending module for sending a first session invitation request to a first network element, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS call with a second terminal; a receiving module for receiving a response message sent by the first network element for the first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function UPF on the satellite, and the response message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; an IMS call module for conducting an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0016] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is applied in a second terminal, and the device includes: a first receiving module, used to receive a second session invitation request sent by a first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request from the first terminal to conduct an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS call with the second terminal; a first sending module, used to send a response message to the first network element for the second session invitation request; a second receiving module, used to receive a session update message sent by the first network element, wherein the session update message carries the address information of the first user plane function UPF on the satellite, wherein the session update message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; an IMS call module, used to conduct an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0017] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is used in a first user plane function UPF of a satellite, and the device includes: a first receiving module, used to receive a notification message sent by a third network element, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF; a second receiving module, used to receive media plane data of the IMS call of the first terminal, and forward the media plane data to the second terminal, or, receive media plane data of the IMS call of the second terminal, and forward the media plane data to the first terminal.

[0018] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the computer program, the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0019] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, comprising: a first terminal, a second terminal, a first user plane function UPF on a satellite, a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, wherein: the first network element is used to implement the method described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure; the second network element is used to implement the method described in the second aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure; the third network element is used to implement the method described in the third aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure; the first terminal is used to implement the method described in the fourth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure; the second terminal is used to implement the method described in the fifth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure; the first UPF is used to implement the method described in the sixth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip, comprising one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuit is used to receive a signal from a memory of a communication device and send the received signal to the processor, wherein the received signal includes a computer instruction stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the computer instruction, the communication device implements the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0022] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, which, when an instruction processor in the computer program product executes, implements the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure bring at least the following beneficial effects:

[0024] When a first terminal requests an IMS call with a second terminal, it determines whether the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite. If it is determined that the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite, an indication message is sent to the second network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that the first and second terminals meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite. As a result, the second network element can easily learn from the indication message that the first and second terminals meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, thereby enabling the first and second terminals to conduct an IMS call directly via satellite. This reduces the transmission delay between the first and second terminals when conducting an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improves the efficiency of the call between the two terminals.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG2 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG3 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG4 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG6 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG10 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG11 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG12 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG13 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG14 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG15 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG16 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG22 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG23 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the first interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the PCF network element, the SMF network element and the first UPF on the satellite;

[0051] Figure 25 is a second schematic diagram of the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the PCF network element, the SMF network element and the first UPF on the satellite;

[0052] FIG26 is a third schematic diagram of the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element and the first UPF on the satellite;

[0053] FIG27 is a fourth schematic diagram of the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element and the first UPF on the satellite;

[0054] FIG28 is a block diagram of a communication device for implementing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0055] FIG29 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0057] In order to better understand a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the satellite communication system to which the embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable is first described below.

[0058] 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The satellite communication system may include a satellite 101 , a terminal 102 , and a gateway 103 .

[0059] The satellite 101 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is an entity for transmitting or receiving signals. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the satellite.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terminal 102 refers to a processing device within the satellite's coverage beam for communicating with a satellite. For example, the terminal can be a car with satellite communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, and so on. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology or device form factor employed by the terminal.

[0061] It should be noted that FIG1 is an illustration of two terminal devices 102 .

[0062] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway 103 in this example is connected to the satellite 101 .

[0063] The gateway 103 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is a node on the ground in a satellite communication system for sending and receiving data. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the gateway.

[0064] It can be understood that the satellite communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0065] In the satellite system described above, after introducing Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) calls into the satellite communication network, when an IMS call is conducted between the two terminals shown in FIG1 , the transmission path for media plane data is: first terminal (one of the two terminals shown in FIG1 ) → satellite → terrestrial User Plane Function (UPF) → calling Session Border Controller (SBC) → called SBC → terrestrial UPF → satellite → second terminal (the other of the two terminals shown in FIG1 ). However, the transmission path corresponding to the IMS call between the two terminals is long, resulting in low call efficiency when the two terminals conduct an IMS call via the satellite communication network. Therefore, how to improve the low call efficiency when the two terminals conduct an IMS call via the satellite communication network is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0066] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, device, system, chip, and storage medium that enable two terminals to conduct an IMS call directly via a satellite, thereby reducing the transmission delay between the two terminals when conducting an IMS call via a satellite communication network and improving the call efficiency between the two terminals.

[0067] The communication method, apparatus, device, system, chip, and storage medium of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be in a first network element or configured in the first network element.

[0069] It should be noted that the first network element in this example can be a P-CSCF network element in the 5G core network or other network elements that can use the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] In this embodiment, an example in which the communication method is executed by the first network element is used for exemplary description.

[0071] As shown in FIG2 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0072] Step 201: Receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal.

[0073] The first terminal refers to a terminal device that initiates an IMS call request.

[0074] In some examples, the first terminal may also be referred to as a calling terminal, or a Mobile Originating User Equipment (MOUE).

[0075] The second terminal is a terminal device that receives an IMS call request.

[0076] In some examples, the second terminal may also be referred to as a called terminal, or a Mobile Terminating User Equipment (MTUE).

[0077] The first session invitation request carries all or part of the following information: the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP). In other words, the first session invitation request may include at least one or more of the following information: the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP). Specifically, the first session invitation request may include at least one of the following information: the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP).

[0078] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media types and codec information supported by the first terminal.

[0079] Among them, SDP is mainly used for media negotiation before the start of a session.

[0080] The media address is the address for sending and receiving media streams.

[0081] In one example, the first session invitation request may be a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITE message.

[0082] Step 202: Determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF.

[0083] It is understandable that in different application scenarios, the implementation method of determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite is different. An example is described as follows:

[0084] As one possible implementation, whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite can be determined based on the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected and the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected. If the satellite identifiers of the satellites to which the first terminal and the second terminal are connected are the same, then it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0085] As another possible implementation manner, it may be determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0086] The location information of the first terminal refers to relevant data for determining the current geographical location of the first terminal.

[0087] In this example, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0088] In one embodiment, the base station to which the first terminal is connected may be set on a satellite.

[0089] The location information of the second terminal refers to relevant data for determining the current geographical location of the second terminal.

[0090] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0091] In one embodiment, the base station to which the second terminal is connected may be set on a satellite.

[0092] As an example, when the location information of the first terminal includes the cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, and the location information of the second terminal includes the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, it can be determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on whether the two cell identification information are consistent.

[0093] Specifically, if the two cell identification information are consistent, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. Otherwise, if the two cell identification information are inconsistent, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to different satellites.

[0094] As another example, when the location information of the first terminal includes the base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the location information of the second terminal includes the base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, it can be determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on whether the two base station identifiers are consistent.

[0095] Specifically, if the two base station identifiers are consistent, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. Otherwise, if the two base station identifiers are inconsistent, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to different satellites.

[0096] As another example, when the location information of the first terminal includes access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and the location information of the second terminal includes access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, it can be determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on whether the two access network type information are consistent.

[0097] Specifically, if the two access network type information are consistent, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. Otherwise, if the two access network type information are inconsistent, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to different satellites.

[0098] Step 203: When it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an indication message is sent to the second network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite.

[0099] As an example, if the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite are met between a first terminal and a second terminal, this indicates that the first terminal and the second terminal can directly conduct an IMS call via satellite. In other words, media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be directly forwarded via satellite.

[0100] As an example, the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call through the first UPF on the satellite.

[0101] In an example, the media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal may be forwarded through the first UPF on the satellite.

[0102] It is understandable that, when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to different satellites, the media plane data during the IMS call cannot be forwarded between the first terminal and the second terminal via the satellite.

[0103] In order to enable the second network element to know the pairing relationship between the first terminal and the second terminal and facilitate subsequent other processing based on the pairing information, in one embodiment, the above indication information may further include identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0104] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0105] As an example, the second network element in this example may forward the indication information to the third network element. Correspondingly, when the indication information includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, the third network element may obtain the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal based on the indication information, and send a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF, and the notification message may carry identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0106] It can be understood that after the first UPF obtains the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, it can bind the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal to obtain a binding relationship between the two, and forward the media plane data of the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the binding relationship.

[0107] In a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a first terminal requests an IMS call with a second terminal, a first network element determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. The satellite includes a first UPF. If the first terminal and the second terminal are determined to be connected to the same satellite, the first network element sends an indication message to the second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite. As a result, the second network element can easily learn from the indication message that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite, thereby enabling the first terminal and the second terminal to conduct an IMS call directly via the satellite. This reduces the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improves the call efficiency between the two terminals.

[0108] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, each step and its optional implementation method can also be implemented independently.

[0110] FIG3 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] As shown in FIG3 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0112] Step 301: Receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, and wherein the session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal.

[0113] It should be noted that, in addition to carrying the location information of the first terminal, the first session invitation request may also include identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, Session Description Protocol (SDP), and other information.

[0114] In this example, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0115] As an example, when the first terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, the first terminal may carry the location information of the first terminal in the first session invitation request.

[0116] The satellite to which the first terminal is connected may include a base station.

[0117] As an example, when the first terminal detects that it is connected to a base station on a satellite, the first terminal may carry the location information of the first terminal in the first session invitation request.

[0118] Step 302: Send a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0119] In this example, the first session invitation request and the second session invitation request may be the same or different.

[0120] As an example, the second session invitation request may also be a SIP INVITE message.

[0121] Step 303: Receive a response message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request, wherein the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

[0122] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0123] Step 304: Determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0124] Among them, regarding the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, and the specific implementation method of determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, please refer to the relevant description in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0125] Step 305: When it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an indication message is sent to the second network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite.

[0126] Among them, the satellite includes a first UPF.

[0127] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 305, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0128] In the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first session invitation request in which a first terminal requests an IMS call with a second terminal includes the location information of the first terminal, and a response message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request includes the location information of the second terminal. Based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, it is quickly determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, thereby facilitating rapid subsequent processing based on the determination result.

[0129] Figure 4 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method of this embodiment is executed by the first network element.

[0130] As shown in FIG4 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0131] Step 401: Receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, and wherein the session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal.

[0132] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 401, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0133] Step 402: If the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, send a second session invitation request to the second terminal, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal.

[0134] In an example, the second session invitation request may be obtained by processing the first session invitation request.

[0135] As an example, the second session invitation request may be obtained by adding a location information request message to the first session invitation request.

[0136] In this example, it can be determined whether the session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal device. If it is determined that the session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, a second session invitation request is sent to the second terminal, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal.

[0137] Step 403: Receive a response message returned by the second terminal, wherein the response message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0138] As an example, when the second terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, the second terminal may carry the location information of the second terminal in the response message.

[0139] The satellite to which the second terminal is connected may include a base station.

[0140] As an example, when the second terminal device detects that it is connected to a base station on a satellite, the second terminal's location information may be carried in the response message.

[0141] For the relevant description about the location information of the second terminal, please refer to the relevant description in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0142] Step 404: Determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0143] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 404, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0144] Step 405: When it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an indication message is sent to the second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite.

[0145] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 405, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0146] In this embodiment, the first terminal actively carries its own location information in the first session invitation request, and the second terminal carries its own location information in the response message returned based on the location information request message carried in the second session invitation request, so that the first network element can quickly determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0147] Figure 5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method of this embodiment is executed by the first network element.

[0148] As shown in FIG5 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0149] Step 501: Receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal.

[0150] Step 502: Receive a response message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request.

[0151] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 501 and step 502, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] Step 503: If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, send a location query request to the second network element, where the location query request is used to request the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0153] Step 504: Receive a location query response message returned by the second network element, wherein the location query response message includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0154] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first session invitation request does not carry the location information of the first terminal, but the response message carries the location information of the second terminal, a first location query request is sent to the second network element, and a first location query response message returned by the second network element for the first location query request is received, wherein the first location query request is used to request the location information of the first terminal, and the first location query response message includes the location information of the first terminal.

[0155] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal, and the response message does not carry the location information of the second terminal, a second location query request is sent to the second network element, and a second location query response message returned by the second network element for the second location query request is received, wherein the second location query request is used to request to query the location information of the second terminal, and wherein the second location query response message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0156] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first session invitation request does not carry the location information of the first terminal and the response message does not carry the location information of the second terminal, a third location query request is sent to the second network element, and a third location query response message returned by the second network element for the third location query request is received, wherein the third location query request is used to request querying the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, and the third location query response message includes the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0157] It should be noted that the second network element can subscribe to the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element. After the base station carried on the satellite detects that the service message corresponding to the first terminal and / or the second terminal has changed, it can send a location report to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element sends the location report to the second network element.

[0158] In one example, the location report includes one or more of the cell identifier of the cell where the first terminal and / or the second terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal and / or the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0159] Step 505: Determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0160] Step 506: If it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an indication message is sent to the second network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite.

[0161] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of steps 505 and 506, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0162] In this embodiment, by obtaining the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal from the second network element, it is possible to quickly determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, thereby facilitating rapid subsequent processing based on the determination result, thereby improving the efficiency of subsequently directly forwarding media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via the satellite.

[0163] Figure 6 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method of this embodiment is executed by the first network element.

[0164] As shown in FIG6 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0165] Step 601: Receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal.

[0166] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 601, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0167] Step 602: Send a first location query request to the second network element, where the first location query request is used to request location information of the first terminal.

[0168] Step 603: Receive a first location query response message returned by the second network element in response to the first location query request, wherein the first location query response message includes location information of the first terminal.

[0169] In this embodiment, after receiving the first session invitation request from the first terminal, the location information of the first terminal may be acquired from the second network element regardless of whether the first session invitation request actively carries the location information of the first terminal.

[0170] For the relevant description about the location information of the first terminal, please refer to the relevant description in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0171] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first authentication authorization request (Authorization Authentication Request, AAR) message can be sent to the second network element, and a first re-authentication request (Re-Authentication Request, RAR) message returned by the second network element in response to the first AAR message can be received, wherein the first RAR message includes the location information of the first terminal, wherein the first AAR message includes a first location query request, and the first location query request is used to request to query the location information of the first terminal.

[0172] Step 604: Send a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0173] In this example, the first session invitation request and the second session invitation request may be the same or different, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0174] Step 605: Receive a response message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request.

[0175] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the response message may carry the location information of the second terminal.

[0176] Step 606: Send a second location query request to the second network element, where the second location query request is used to request location information of the second terminal.

[0177] Step 607: Receive a second location query response message returned by the second network element in response to the second location query request, wherein the second location query response message includes location information of the second terminal.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to improve the accuracy of the obtained location information of the second terminal, after receiving the response message returned by the second terminal to the second session invitation request, and regardless of whether the response message returned by the second terminal carries the location information of the second terminal, the location information of the second terminal can be obtained from the second network element.

[0179] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second AAR message can be sent to a second network element, and a second RAR message returned by the second network element in response to the second AAR message can be received, wherein the second AAR message includes a second location query request, and the second location query request is used to request querying the location information of the second terminal, wherein the second RAR message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0180] It should be noted that, for the description of the location information of the second terminal, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] Step 608: Determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0182] Step 609: If it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an indication message is sent to the second network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite.

[0183] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 608 and step 609, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, by communicating with the second network element, the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal can be quickly obtained, and based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, it can be quickly determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, so as to facilitate rapid subsequent processing based on the determination result.

[0185] FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method of this embodiment is executed by the first network element. It should be noted that this embodiment is a further description of any of the above embodiments.

[0186] As shown in FIG7 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0187] Step 701: Receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal.

[0188] Step 702: Determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0189] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 701 and step 702, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0190] Step 703: When it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, a message for triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message for triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal is sent to the second network element, wherein the message for triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message for triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal includes an indication message, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite.

[0191] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message triggering establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal may be sent to the second network element, wherein the message triggering establishment of the QoS Flow for the first terminal includes an indication message.

[0192] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message triggering establishment of a QoS Flow for the second terminal may be sent to the second network element, wherein the message triggering establishment of the QoS Flow for the second terminal includes an indication message.

[0193] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal may be sent to the second network element, wherein the message triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and the message triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include indication messages.

[0194] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message triggering the establishment of the QoS Flow of the first terminal may be an AAR message or other types of messages triggering the establishment of the QoS Flow of the first terminal, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0195] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message triggering the establishment of the QoS Flow of the second terminal may be an AAR message or other types of messages triggering the establishment of the QoS Flow of the second terminal, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0196] Step 704: Receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0197] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, the second network element may send a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal to a third network element. Correspondingly, after receiving the message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and the message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, the third network element may create a QoS Flow for the first terminal and a QoS Flow for the second terminal based on the message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and the message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, respectively.

[0198] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal and / or the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal also includes the call mode of the IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0199] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal may also carry a call mode of an IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0200] When the call mode is an IMS voice call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow that can carry the voice data in the IMS voice call for the first terminal based on the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal, and can create a QoS Flow that can carry the voice data in the IMS voice call for the second terminal based on the message triggering to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal.

[0201] The 5G QoS identifier (5QI) of the QoS flow for carrying voice data is equal to 1. That is, a QoS flow with 5QI=1 can be created to carry voice data through the QoS flow.

[0202] When the call mode is an IMS video call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow that can carry the video data in the IMS video call for the first terminal based on the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal, and can create a QoS Flow that can carry the video data in the IMS video call for the second terminal based on the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal.

[0203] The 5G QoS identifier (5QI) of the QoS flow for carrying video data is equal to 2. That is, a QoS flow with 5QI=2 can be created to carry video data through the QoS flow.

[0204] Step 705: Send the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal.

[0205] In order to enable the first terminal to conduct an IMS call with the second terminal through the first UPF of the satellite, the address information of the first UPF may also be sent to the first terminal, so that the first terminal can conduct an IMS call with the second terminal based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0206] As an example, a response message returned by the second terminal can be sent to the first terminal, wherein the response message includes the address information of the first UPF, so that the first terminal can route the media surface data of the IMS call sent to the second terminal to the first UPF on the satellite based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0207] Step 706: Receive a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0208] Step 707: Send the address information of the first UPF to the second terminal.

[0209] In order to enable the second terminal to conduct an IMS call with the first terminal through the first UPF of the satellite, the address information of the first UPF may also be sent to the second terminal, so that the second terminal can conduct an IMS call with the first terminal based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0210] As an example, a session update message may be sent to the second terminal, wherein the session update message includes: address information of the first user plane function UPF on the satellite, so that the second terminal may conduct an IMS call with the second terminal based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0211] As an example, the session update message may be an updated session invite request, wherein the updated session invite request includes the address information of the first UPF, wherein the updated session invite request is obtained by adding the address information of the first UPF to the first session invite request.

[0212] For example, when the first session invitation request is a SIP INVITE message, the updated session invitation request may be an INVITE update message accordingly.

[0213] Figure 8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a second network element, or can be configured in the second network element. This embodiment uses the communication method performed by the second network element as an example for illustrative description.

[0214] It should be noted that the second network element in this example can be a PCF network element in the 5G core network or other network elements that can use the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] As shown in FIG8 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0216] Step 801: Receive an indication message sent by a first network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that a first terminal and a second terminal meet conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, where the satellite includes a first user plane function (UPF). The indication message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0217] It can be understood that, in this example, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to a satellite, that is, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0218] The satellite in this embodiment includes a first UPF.

[0219] It should be noted that the indication message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0220] It should be noted that, for the description of the first network element determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, reference may be made to the relevant description in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0221] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal sent by the first network element can be received, wherein the message triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal includes an indication message.

[0222] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal and / or the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal may also include the call mode of the IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0223] Step 802: Send an indication message to the third network element.

[0224] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the third network element to bind the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, and manage the first terminal and the second terminal based on the binding relationship obtained by the binding, the indication message in this embodiment may include the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0225] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0226] It should be noted that, for the relevant operations performed by the third network element after receiving the indication message, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0227] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the second network element forwards the indication message sent by the first network element to the third network element, so that the third network element can quickly learn that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting IMS calls via satellite, which facilitates subsequent processing based on the conditions. Ultimately, the first terminal and the second terminal can directly conduct IMS calls via satellite, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting IMS calls via the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0228] In the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network element receives an indication message sent by a first network element and forwards the indication information to a third network element, so that the third network element can easily learn through the indication information that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, thereby enabling the first terminal and the second terminal to directly conduct an IMS call via a satellite, thereby reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call via a satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0229] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is executed by the second network element. It should be noted that this embodiment is a further detailed description of the above embodiment.

[0230] As shown in FIG9 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0231] Step 901: Receive an indication message sent by a first network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that a first terminal and a second terminal meet conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, where the satellite includes a first user plane function (UPF). The indication message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0232] For the specific implementation of step 901, please refer to the relevant description in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0233] Step 902: Send a message to the third network element requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and the message triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal both carry an indication message.

[0234] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the third network element to bind the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, and manage the first terminal and the second terminal based on the binding relationship obtained by the binding, the indication message in this embodiment may include the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0235] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0236] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first terminal and the second terminal to conduct an IMS call mode, the message requesting to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal also includes the call mode of the IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call, or an IMS video call.

[0237] Step 903: Receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the third network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed.

[0238] Step 904: Send a first QoS Flow establishment completion message to the first network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0239] Step 905: Receive a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the third network element, wherein the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed.

[0240] Step 906: Send a second QoS Flow establishment completion message to the first network element, wherein the second QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0241] In this embodiment, the second network element receives the indication message sent by the first network element and forwards the indication information to the third network element, so that the third network element can easily learn from the indication information that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite, thereby enabling the first terminal and the second terminal to directly conduct an IMS call via the satellite, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0242] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first network element to obtain the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal from the second network element, so as to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, the second network element in this embodiment can also receive a location query request sent by the first network element, wherein the location query request is used to query the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; and send a location query response message for the location query request to the first network element, wherein the location query response message includes the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0243] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network element may further receive a first AAR message sent by the first network element, wherein the first AAR message includes a location query request, wherein the location query request is used to query the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; and send a first RAR message in response to the first AAR message to the first network element, wherein the first RAR message may include a location query response message, wherein the location query response message includes the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal. Thus, the first network element can obtain the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal from the second network element.

[0244] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network element may receive a first AAR message sent by the first network element, wherein the first AAR message includes a first location query request, wherein the first location query request is used to query the location information of the first terminal; send a first RAR message of the first AAR message to the first network element, wherein the first RAR message may include a first location query response message, wherein the first location query response message includes the location information of the first terminal; receive a second AAR message sent by the second network element, wherein the second AAR message includes a second location query request, wherein the second location query request is used to query the location information of the second terminal; send a second RAR message of the second AAR message to the second network element, wherein the second RAR message may include a second location query response message, wherein the second location query response message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0245] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network element may further receive a third AAR message sent by the first network element, wherein the third AAR message includes a location query request, wherein the location query request is used to query the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal; and send a third RAR message in response to the third AAR message to the first network element, wherein the third RAR message may include a location query response message, wherein the location query response message includes the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal. Thus, the first network element can obtain the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal from the second network element.

[0246] It should be noted that, regarding the circumstances under which the first network element sends the location query request, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal are used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0248] Figure 10 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a third network element, or can be configured in a third network element. This embodiment uses the example of the communication method being performed by a third network element as an example for illustrative description.

[0249] It should be noted that the third network element in this example can be an SMF network element in the 5G core network or other network elements that can use the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0250] As shown in FIG10 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0251] Step 1001: Receive an indication message sent by a second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that a first terminal and a second terminal meet conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite.

[0252] Wherein, the first terminal and the second terminal are both connected to the satellite.

[0253] The satellite includes a first UPF.

[0254] It should be noted that, for the relevant description about the second network element obtaining the indication message, reference can be made to the relevant description in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0255] Step 1002: Send a notification message to the first UPF, where the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0256] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after the third network element receives the indication information, it can be learned through the indication information that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite. At this time, the third network element can determine whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF. Correspondingly, when the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF.

[0257] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF is changed to the first UPF, and a notification message is sent to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0258] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the third network element to obtain the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal to facilitate subsequent management based on the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, the indication information in this embodiment may also include the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0259] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0260] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first UPF to obtain the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, so that the first UPF binds the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal to obtain a binding relationship between the two, and forwards the media plane data of the first terminal and the second terminal during the IMS call based on the binding relationship, the notification message in this embodiment may also include the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0261] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0262] In the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element receives an indication message sent by a second network element, and when it is learned based on the indication information that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are both the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF, so that the first UPF is informed through the notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF, thereby enabling the first UPF to directly forward the media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via the satellite, thereby reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through a satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0263] Figure 11 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a third network element, or can be configured in a third network element. This embodiment uses the example of the communication method being performed by a third network element as an example for illustrative description.

[0264] As shown in FIG11 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0265] Step 1101: Receive an indication message sent by a second network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that a first terminal and a second terminal meet conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0266] Among them, regarding the specific implementation method of step 1101, please refer to the relevant description in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] Step 1102: If at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF is changed to the first UPF.

[0268] Step 1103: Send a notification message to the first UPF.

[0269] The notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0270] In an example of the present disclosure, when it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal is not the first UPF, and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is the first UPF, the IMS PUD session whose UPF is not the first UPF is the IMS PUD session of the first terminal. Correspondingly, the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal can be modified to the first UPF, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can conduct IMS calls directly through the first UPF deployed on the satellite.

[0271] In one example, a modification process of the IMS PUD session of the first terminal may be initiated to modify the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal to the first UPF.

[0272] It should be noted that, regarding the process of establishing the IMS PUD session of the first terminal, reference may be made to the description in the related art, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] In another example of the present disclosure, when it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal is the first UPF, and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the IMS PUD session whose UPF is not the first UPF is the IMS PUD session of the second terminal. Correspondingly, the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal can be modified to the first UPF, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can conduct IMS calls directly through the first UPF deployed on the satellite.

[0274] It should be noted that, regarding the process of establishing the IMS PUD session of the second terminal, reference may be made to the description in the related art, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] In one example, a modification process of the IMS PUD session of the second terminal may be initiated to modify the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal to the first UPF.

[0276] In another example of the present disclosure, when it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal is not the first UPF, and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal can both be modified to the first UPF, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can conduct IMS calls directly through the first UPF deployed on the satellite.

[0277] In one example, a modification process of the IMS PUD session of the second terminal can be initiated to modify the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal to the first UPF, and a modification process of the IMS PUD session of the first terminal can be initiated to modify the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal to the first UPF.

[0278] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the third network element receives the indication message sent by the second network element and sends a notification message to the first UPF, so that the first UPF is informed through the notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF, thereby making it possible to directly forward the media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via the satellite, thereby reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0279] Figure 12 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a third network element, or can be configured in a third network element. This embodiment uses the example of the communication method being performed by a third network element as an example for illustrative description.

[0280] As shown in FIG12 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0281] Step 1201: Receive a message from the second network element requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal both carry an indication message.

[0282] The indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite.

[0283] The first terminal and the second terminal are both connected to the satellite.

[0284] Among them, the satellite includes a first UPF.

[0285] Step 1202: Based on the message requesting to establish a QoS Flow for the first terminal, a QoS Flow is established for the first terminal for carrying media plane data during the IMS call; and based on the message requesting to establish a QoS Flow for the second terminal, a QoS Flow is established for the second terminal for carrying media plane data during the IMS call.

[0286] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal may also carry a call mode of an IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0287] When the call mode is an IMS voice call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow that can carry the voice data in the IMS voice call for the first terminal based on the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal, and can create a QoS Flow that can carry the voice data in the IMS voice call for the second terminal based on the message triggering to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal.

[0288] The 5G QoS identifier (5QI) of the QoS flow for carrying voice data is equal to 1. That is, a QoS flow with 5QI=1 can be created to carry voice data through the QoS flow.

[0289] When the call mode is an IMS video call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow that can carry the video data in the IMS video call for the first terminal based on the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal, and can create a QoS Flow that can carry the video data in the IMS video call for the second terminal based on the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal.

[0290] The 5G QoS identifier (5QI) of the QoS flow for carrying video data is equal to 2. That is, a QoS flow with 5QI=2 can be created to carry video data through the QoS flow.

[0291] Step 1203: If the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are both the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF, where the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0292] Step 1204: If at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF is changed to the first UPF, and a notification message is sent to the first UPF.

[0293] Step 1205: Send a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message to the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include the address information of the first UPF.

[0294] The first QoS Flow establishment completion message is used to respond to the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal, that is, the first QoS Flow establishment completion message is a response message to the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal.

[0295] It should be noted that, regarding the processing operations performed by the second network element after receiving the first QoS Flow establishment completion message, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0296] The second QoS Flow establishment completion message is used to respond to the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal, that is, the second QoS Flow establishment completion message is a response message to the message requesting to establish the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal.

[0297] It should be noted that, regarding the processing operations performed by the second network element after receiving the second QoS Flow establishment completion message, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0298] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message carrying the address information of the first UPF is sent to the second network element, so that the second network element sends the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal and the second terminal, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can conduct an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0299] Figure 13 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a first terminal, or can be configured in the first terminal. This embodiment uses the communication method performed by the first terminal as an example for illustrative description.

[0300] As shown in FIG13 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0301] Step 1301: Send a first session invitation request to a first network element, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal.

[0302] The first session invitation request in this embodiment may carry information such as identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and Session Description Protocol (SDP).

[0303] As an example, the first session invitation request in this example may be a SIP INVITE message.

[0304] Step 1302: Receive a response message sent by the first network element to the first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function UPF on a satellite, wherein both the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the satellite.

[0305] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first network element to conveniently obtain the location information of the first terminal, so as to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, the first session invitation request may also carry the location information of the first terminal.

[0306] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first network element to conveniently obtain the location information of the first terminal, so as to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, when it is detected that the first terminal is connected to the satellite, the first session invitation request may also carry the location information of the first terminal.

[0307] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first network element to conveniently obtain the location information of the first terminal, so as to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, when it is detected that the first terminal is connected to a base station on the satellite, the first session invitation request may also carry the location information of the first terminal.

[0308] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal may include: at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0309] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0310] It should be noted that, for the processing procedure performed by the first network element after receiving the first session invitation request, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] Step 1303: Make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0312] In this embodiment, after receiving the response message, the first terminal can determine, based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the response message, that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF. Accordingly, the first terminal can subsequently conduct an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the first terminal can send media plane data during the IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0313] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the first terminal can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the response message returned by the first network element for the first session invitation request, thereby enabling the first terminal to conduct an IMS call based on the address information, thereby realizing direct forwarding of media plane data during the IMS call via the satellite, reducing the transmission path between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite network, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0314] Figure 14 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a second terminal, or can be configured in the second terminal. This embodiment uses the communication method performed by the second terminal as an example for illustrative description.

[0315] As shown in FIG14 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0316] Step 1401: Receive a second session invitation request sent by a first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request from a first terminal to conduct an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal.

[0317] As an example, the second session invitation request may be sent by the first network element after receiving the first session invitation request sent by the first terminal.

[0318] In this example, the first session invitation request and the second session invitation request may be the same or different. As an example, the second session invitation request may be obtained by the first network element processing the first session invitation request.

[0319] For the processing procedure performed by the first network element after receiving the first session invitation request, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0320] For information carried in the first session invitation request, please refer to the relevant description in other implementation embodiments.

[0321] Step 1402: Send a response message to the first network element for the second session invitation request.

[0322] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first network element to conveniently obtain the location information of the second terminal and determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the second terminal, the response message in this embodiment can actively carry the location information of the second terminal.

[0323] As an example, when the second terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, the second terminal may carry the location information of the second terminal in the response message.

[0324] As an example, when the second terminal detects that it is connected to a base station on a satellite, the second terminal may carry the location information of the second terminal in the response message.

[0325] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the second terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0326] Step 1403: Receive a session update message sent by the first network element, wherein the session update message carries address information of the first user plane function UPF on the satellite, wherein the session update message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0327] Optionally, the session update message may be an updated first session invitation request.

[0328] The updated first session invite request includes the address information of the first UPF, and the updated first session invite request is obtained by adding the address information of the first UPF to the first session invite request.

[0329] The address information of the first UPF on the satellite is forwarded by the third network element to the first network element through the second network element.

[0330] Among them, regarding the specific process of the first network element obtaining the address information of the first UPF on the satellite, please refer to the relevant description in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0331] Step 1404: Make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0332] In this embodiment, after receiving the session update message, the second terminal can determine, based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the session update message, that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF. Accordingly, the second terminal can subsequently conduct an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the second terminal can send media plane data during the IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0333] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the second terminal can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the session update message sent by the first network element, thereby enabling the second terminal to conduct an IMS call based on the address information, thereby realizing direct forwarding of media plane data during the IMS call via the satellite, reducing the transmission path between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite network, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0334] Figure 15 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a second terminal, or can be configured in the second terminal. This embodiment uses the communication method performed by the second terminal as an example for illustrative description.

[0335] As shown in FIG15 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0336] Step 1501: Receive a second session invitation request sent by a first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request from a first terminal to conduct an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal.

[0337] Step 1502: Send a response message to the first network element for the second session invitation request, wherein the response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

[0338] Step 1503: Receive a session update message sent by the first network element, wherein the session update message carries address information of the first user plane function UPF on the satellite, wherein the session update message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0339] Step 1504: Make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0340] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the second terminal can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the session update message sent by the first network element, thereby enabling the second terminal to conduct an IMS call based on the address information, thereby realizing direct forwarding of media plane data during the IMS call via the satellite, reducing the transmission path between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite network, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0341] Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a satellite's first user plane function (UPF), or can be configured within the satellite's first user plane function (UPF). This embodiment uses the example of the communication method being performed by the satellite's first user plane function (UPF) as an example.

[0342] As shown in FIG16 , the communication method may include the following steps:

[0343] Step 1601: Receive a notification message sent by a third network element, where the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0344] It should be noted that, regarding the processing procedure performed by the third network element before sending the notification message, reference can be made to the relevant description in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0345] It should be noted that, in this example, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to a satellite, that is, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0346] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the satellite may further include a base station. As an example, the first terminal and the second terminal may be connected to the base station on the satellite.

[0347] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the first UPF to obtain the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, establish a binding relationship between the two based on the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal, and forward the media plane data of the first terminal and the second terminal during the IMS call based on the binding relationship, the notification message in this embodiment may also include the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0348] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0349] Step 1602: Receive media plane data of the IMS call of the first terminal, and forward the media plane data to the second terminal.

[0350] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, step 1602 may also be receiving media plane data of the IMS call of the second terminal, and forwarding the media plane data to the first terminal.

[0351] In one example of the present disclosure, the first UPF may include all or part of the functions of the session border controller SBC, such as: media resource management, QoS policy control, security functions, and data encryption.

[0352] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the first UPF can be informed through a notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF, and forward the media plane data of the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal, so that the first UPF through the satellite can directly forward the media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal, reducing the transmission path between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite network, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0353] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment is applied in the first network element.

[0354] As shown in FIG17 , the communication device 1700 may include:

[0355] The receiving module 1701 is configured to receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal.

[0356] The determination module 1702 is configured to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, where the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF.

[0357] The sending module 1703 is configured to send an indication message to the second network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via the satellite.

[0358] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message for triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message for triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal is sent to the second network element, wherein the message for triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message for triggering the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal both carry an indication message.

[0359] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indication message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0360] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0361] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the determination module 1702 is specifically configured to:

[0362] It is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0363] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal. The sending module 1703 is further configured to send a second session invitation request to the second terminal. The receiving module 1701 is further configured to receive a response message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request, wherein the response message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0364] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, the sending module 1703 is further configured to send a second session invitation request to the second terminal, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal;

[0365] The receiving module 1701 is further configured to receive a response message returned by the second terminal, wherein the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

[0366] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus may further include: a first processing module, wherein the first processing module is configured to:

[0367] If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, sending a location query request to the second network element, where the location query request is used to request querying the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal;

[0368] A location query response message returned by the second network element is received, wherein the location query response message includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0369] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a second processing module, wherein the second processing module is configured to:

[0370] Sending a first location query request to the second network element, where the first location query request is used to request location information of the first terminal;

[0371] receiving a first location query response message returned by the second network element in response to the first location query request, wherein the first location query response message includes location information of the first terminal;

[0372] Sending a second location query request to the second network element, where the second location query request is used to request location information of the second terminal;

[0373] A second location query response message returned by the second network element in response to the second location query request is received, wherein the second location query response message includes location information of the second terminal.

[0374] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal includes: at least one of: cell identification information of a cell where the first terminal is located, a base station identification of a base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal;

[0375] The location information of the second terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0376] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the first terminal and / or the message triggering the establishment of the service quality flow QoS Flow of the second terminal also carries the call mode of the IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0377] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving module 1701 is further configured to: receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message carries address information of the first UPF;

[0378] The sending module 1703 is further configured to: send the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal;

[0379] The receiving module 1701 is further configured to: receive a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of the first UPF;

[0380] The sending module 1703 is further used to send the address information of the first UPF to the second terminal.

[0381] It should be noted that the above explanation of the communication method embodiment is also applicable to the communication device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0382] In a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a first terminal requests an IMS call with a second terminal, the device determines whether the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite. The satellite includes a first UPF. If the device determines that the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite, the device sends an indication message to a second network element, indicating that the first and second terminals meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite. This allows the second network element to easily learn from the indication that the first and second terminals meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, enabling the first and second terminals to conduct an IMS call directly via the satellite. This reduces transmission latency during IMS calls between the first and second terminals over a satellite communications network, improving call efficiency between the two terminals.

[0383] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment is applied in the second network element.

[0384] As shown in FIG18 , the communication device 1800 may include:

[0385] A receiving module 1801 is configured to receive an indication message sent by a first network element, where the indication message is used to indicate that a condition for the first terminal and the second terminal to conduct an IMS call via a satellite is met, where the satellite includes a first user plane function (UPF), and the indication message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite;

[0386] The sending module 1802 is configured to send an indication message to a third network element.

[0387] Wherein, the first terminal and the second terminal are both connected to the satellite.

[0388] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal are sent to a third network element, wherein the message requesting the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and the message requesting the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal both carry an indication message.

[0389] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message requesting establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal also includes a call mode of an IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0390] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indication message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal. The identification information may be other terminal-identifying information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0391] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving module 1801 is further configured to receive a location query request sent by the first network element, wherein the location query request is used to query location information of the target terminal;

[0392] The sending module 1802 is further configured to send a location query response message to the first network element in response to the location query request, wherein the location query response message includes location information of the target terminal, wherein the target terminal is the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0393] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving module 1801 is further configured to: receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by a third network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF;

[0394] The sending module 1802 is further configured to send the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message to the first network element.

[0395] It should be noted that the above explanation of the communication method embodiment is also applicable to the communication device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0396] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure receives an indication message sent by a first network element and forwards the indication information to a third network element, so that the third network element can easily learn through the indication information that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, thereby enabling the first terminal and the second terminal to directly conduct an IMS call via a satellite, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call via a satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0397] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment is applied in a third network element.

[0398] As shown in FIG19 , the communication device 1900 may include:

[0399] The receiving module 1901 is configured to receive an indication message sent by a second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF.

[0400] The sending module 1902 is used to send a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0401] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device may also include: a modification module for modifying the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF if at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF.

[0402] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message requesting establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for a first terminal and / or a message requesting establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for a second terminal sent by a second network element is received, wherein the message requesting establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include an indication message.

[0403] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal also includes: a call mode of an IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0404] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, both the notification message and the indication message include identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal. The identification information may be other terminal-identifying information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0405] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sending module 1902 is further configured to:

[0406] A first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message is sent to the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include the address information of the first UPF.

[0407] It should be noted that the above explanation of the communication method embodiment is also applicable to the communication device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0408] The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure receives an indication message sent by the second network element, and when it is learned based on the indication information that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF, so that the first UPF is informed through the notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF, so that the media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be directly forwarded through the first UPF of the satellite, thereby reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0409] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment is applied in the first terminal.

[0410] As shown in FIG20 , the communication device 2000 may include:

[0411] A first sending module 2001 is configured to send a first session invitation request to a first network element, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal;

[0412] A receiving module 2002 is configured to receive a response message sent by the first network element in response to the first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on a satellite, wherein both the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the satellite;

[0413] The IMS call module 2003 is configured to make an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0414] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is detected that the first terminal is connected to a satellite, the first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal.

[0415] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0416] It should be noted that the above explanation of the communication method embodiment is also applicable to the communication device of this embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0417] The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the response message returned by the first network element to the first session invitation request, thereby enabling the first terminal to conduct an IMS call based on the address information, thereby realizing the forwarding of media plane data during the IMS call through the first UPF on the satellite, reducing the transmission path between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite network, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0418] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment is applied in the second terminal.

[0419] As shown in FIG. 21 , the communication device 2100 may include:

[0420] The first receiving module 2101 is configured to receive a second session invitation request sent by the first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request by the first terminal to conduct an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal;

[0421] A first sending module 2102 is configured to send a response message to the first network element regarding the second session invitation request;

[0422] The second receiving module 2103 is configured to receive a session update message sent by the first network element, wherein the session update message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, wherein the session update message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite;

[0423] The IMS call module 2104 is configured to make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0424] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal, and the response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

[0425] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is detected that the second terminal is connected to a satellite, the response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

[0426] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the second terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0427] It should be noted that the above explanation of the communication method embodiment is also applicable to the communication device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0428] The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the session update message sent by the first network element, thereby enabling the second terminal to conduct an IMS call based on the address information, thereby realizing the forwarding of media plane data during the IMS call through the first UPF on the satellite, reducing the transmission path between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite network, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0429] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the communication device in this embodiment is applied in a first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite.

[0430] As shown in FIG22 , the communication device 2200 may include:

[0431] The first receiving module 2201 is configured to receive a notification message sent by a third network element, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF;

[0432] The second receiving module 2202 is configured to receive media plane data of an IMS call of a first terminal and forward the media plane data to a second terminal, or receive media plane data of an IMS call of a second terminal and forward the media plane data to the first terminal.

[0433] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the notification message carries identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0434] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0435] It should be noted that the above explanations of the communication method embodiment are also applicable to the communication device of this embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0436] The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can learn through a notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF, and forward the media plane data of the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal, so that the media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be directly forwarded through the first UPF of the satellite, thereby reducing the transmission path between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite network, reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0437] FIG23 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0438] As shown in Figure 23, the communication system 2300 may include a first terminal 2301, a second terminal 2302, a first user plane function UPF 23031 on a satellite 2303, a first network element 2304, a second network element 2305, and a third network element 2306, wherein:

[0439] The first network element 2304 is configured to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure;

[0440] The second network element 2305 is configured to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure;

[0441] The third network element 2306 is configured to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the third aspect of the present disclosure;

[0442] The first terminal 2301 is used to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure;

[0443] The second terminal 2302 is used to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure;

[0444] The first UPF23031 is used to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiment of the sixth aspect of this disclosure.

[0445] It should be noted that the above explanation of the communication method embodiment is also applicable to the communication device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0446] The communication system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure determines, through the first network element, whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite when the first terminal requests to conduct an IMS call with the second terminal. If it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, the PCF sends an indication message to the third network element, so that the third network element learns, based on the indication message, that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call through the first UPF on the satellite, and if the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF, so that the first UPF learns, through the notification message, that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF, so that the media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be directly forwarded through the first UPF of the satellite, thereby reducing the transmission delay between the first terminal and the second terminal when conducting an IMS call through the satellite communication network and improving the call efficiency between the two.

[0447] To facilitate a clear understanding of the present disclosure, the following exemplary description of the interaction process between a first terminal, a second terminal, a first network element, a third network element, a second network element, and a first UPF on a satellite in a communication system is provided with reference to FIG23. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the exemplary description is provided by taking as an example a case where the first network element is a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) network element, the second network element is a policy control function (PCF) network element, and the third network element is a session management function (SMF) network element.

[0448] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the PCF network element, the SMF network element and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0449] As shown in FIG. 24 , the method may include:

[0450] Step 2401: A first terminal sends a first session invitation request to a P-CSCF network element.

[0451] The first session invitation request carries all or part of the following information: the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, the Session Description Protocol (SDP), the location information of the first terminal, etc. In other words, the first session invitation request may include at least one or more of the following information: the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP). Specifically, the first session invitation request may include at least one of the following information: the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP).

[0452] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media types and codec information supported by the first terminal.

[0453] The Session Description Protocol (SDP) is mainly used for media negotiation before a session starts. The media address is the address for sending and receiving media streams.

[0454] Optionally, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, a base station identification of a base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0455] Optionally, the identification information may be in the format of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0456] Optionally, the SDP also includes required bandwidth information, and the network side determines the quality of service (QoS) bandwidth required for the dedicated bearer based on the information after receiving it.

[0457] Step 2402: The P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0458] In this example, the first session invitation request and the second session invitation request are the same or different.

[0459] As an example, the first session invitation request may be obtained by processing the first session invitation request.

[0460] The second session invitation request in this example also carries the media plane address and port information of the called session border controller (Session Border Controller, SBC) corresponding to the second terminal, and also carries SDP information.

[0461] The session border controller SBC in the present disclosure may also be referred to as an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Access Gateway (IMS Access GateWay, IMS AGW).

[0462] Step 2403: The P-CSCF network element receives the 183 message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request.

[0463] In this example, message 183 is a response message corresponding to the second session invitation request.

[0464] The 183 message may include an SDP response message and location information of the second terminal.

[0465] The SDP response message includes the media types and codec information supported by the called UE.

[0466] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0467] In step 2404 , the P-CSCF network element checks whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal. If so, steps 2405 and 2408 are executed.

[0468] In this example, a first user plane function UPF is deployed on the satellite.

[0469] In step 2405, the P-CSCF network element sends a first AAR message to the PCF network element, where the first AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the first terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The first AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0470] The indication message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0471] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0472] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first AAR message further includes: a call mode of the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0473] In step 2406, the PCF network element sends a first request message to the SMF network element, wherein the first request message is used to establish a message for the first terminal regarding a quality of service flow QoS Flow for carrying voice data during an IMS voice call. The first request message includes an indication message, and the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0474] The indication message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0475] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0476] The 5G QoS identifier (5QI) of the QoS flow for carrying voice data is equal to 1. That is, a QoS flow with 5QI=1 can be created to carry voice data through the QoS flow.

[0477] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first request message further includes: a call mode of the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0478] In step 2407, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the first request message that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal is the first UPF.

[0479] Among them, regarding the process of establishing the QoS Flow of the first terminal, please refer to the description in the relevant technology and will not be repeated here.

[0480] In step 2408, the P-CSCF network element sends a second AAR message to the PCF network element, where the second AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The second AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0481] The indication message includes the second terminal and identification information of the second terminal.

[0482] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0483] Step 2409: Send a second request message to the SMF network element through the PCF network element, wherein the second request message is used to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow message for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call, and the second request message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0484] In step 2410, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the second request message that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is the first UPF.

[0485] Step 2411, when the SMF network element determines that the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF, the SMF network element sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0486] The notification message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0487] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0488] In step 2412, when the SMF network element determines that at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the SMF network element changes the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF, and sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0489] The notification message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0490] The identification information may be an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number, and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI) number, or other information that can identify the terminal.

[0491] It should be noted that, for the specific implementation of step 2410, please refer to the relevant description in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0492] Step 2413: The SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the first terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element, where the message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0493] Step 2414: The SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the second terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element. The message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0494] Step 2415: The P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message carrying the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal.

[0495] In this embodiment, after receiving the 183 message, the first terminal can determine, based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the 183 message, that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF. Accordingly, the first terminal can subsequently conduct an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the first terminal can send media plane data during the IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0496] Step 2416: The P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal, where the session update message includes the address information of the first UPF.

[0497] Optionally, the session update message may be an updated first session invite request, wherein the updated first session invite request includes the address information of the first UPF, and wherein the updated first session invite request is obtained by adding the address information of the first UPF to the first session invite request.

[0498] It should be noted that the first UPF in this example implements some or all of the functions of the SBC, such as media resource management, QoS policy control, security functions, and data encryption.

[0499] In this embodiment, after receiving the session update message, the second terminal can determine, based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the session update message, that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF. Accordingly, the second terminal can subsequently conduct an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the second terminal can send media plane data during the IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0500] Step 2417: The session establishment is completed between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0501] In this example, the process for establishing a session between a first and second terminal is as follows: After receiving a 183 message, the first terminal responds with a Provisional Response Acknowledgement (PRACK) message. After sending the PRACK to confirm the 183 message, the first terminal checks whether the dedicated audio QoS stream has been established (the corresponding NAS messages are PDU Session Modification Command and PDU Session Modification Complete). If established, resource reservation on the calling side has been completed, meeting the precondition. The first terminal then sends an UPDATE request to modify the resource status in the SDP. After the second terminal detects the establishment of the audio-related dedicated bearer, it returns a 200 signaling response to the UPDATE. The first terminal receives a 180 Ringing provisional response, indicating that the call establishment request is being notified to the recipient, and the second terminal begins ringing. When the called party goes off-hook, the second terminal returns a 200 Acknowledgement response to the session invitation request as the final response. The first terminal then sends an ACK to confirm the request, completing the session establishment.

[0502] Step 2418: After the session is established, the first terminal and the second terminal may forward the media plane data during the IMS call through the first UPF on the satellite.

[0503] That is, the media plane data of the first terminal and the second terminal are directly forwarded through the first UPF on the satellite.

[0504] Based on the above description, it can be seen that in this embodiment, when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are under the coverage of the same satellite, the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the second terminal is modified to the first UPF on the satellite, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can forward the IMS media plane data during the IMS call through the first UPF on the satellite, thereby realizing that the media plane data does not fall to the ground, reducing the transmission delay of the IMS media plane data during the IMS call, and improving the call efficiency when conducting IMS calls between the two.

[0505] Figure 25 is a second schematic diagram of the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the PCF network element, the SMF network element and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0506] Step 2501: A first terminal sends a first session invitation request to a P-CSCF network element.

[0507] The first session invitation request carries at least one of the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, the session description protocol SDP, the location information of the first terminal, and the like.

[0508] Optionally, the first terminal may check whether it is connected to a satellite. If it is checked that it is connected to a satellite, the first terminal may correspondingly carry the location information of the first terminal in a first session invitation request sent to the P-CSCF network element.

[0509] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media types and codec information supported by the first terminal.

[0510] The Session Description Protocol (SDP) is mainly used for media negotiation before a session starts. The media address is the address for sending and receiving media streams.

[0511] Optionally, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, a base station identification of a base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0512] Optionally, the identification information may be in the format of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0513] Optionally, the SDP also includes required bandwidth information, and the network side determines the QoS bandwidth required for the dedicated bearer based on this information after receiving it.

[0514] Step 2502: If the session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, the P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal.

[0515] Specifically, the P-CSCF network element detects whether the first session invitation request contains the location information of the first terminal. If it is detected that the first session invitation request contains the location information of the first terminal, the P-CSCF network element adds a location information request message to the first session invitation request to obtain a second session invitation request, and sends the second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0516] The second session invitation request also carries the media plane address and port information of the called session border controller (Session Border Controller, SBC) corresponding to the second terminal, and carries SDP information.

[0517] Step 2503: The P-CSCF network element receives a 183 message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request, wherein the 183 message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0518] Optionally, after receiving the second session invitation request, the second terminal may detect whether it is connected to the satellite. If it is detected that it is connected to the satellite, it sends a 183 message to the P-CSCF network element, where the 183 message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0519] In this example, message 183 is a response message corresponding to the second session invitation request.

[0520] The 183 message may include an SDP response message and location information of the second terminal.

[0521] The SDP response message includes the media types and codec information supported by the called UE.

[0522] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0523] In step 2504, the P-CSCF network element checks whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal. If so, and if it is determined that the call mode of the IMS call is an IMS voice call, steps 2505 and 2508 are executed.

[0524] In this example, a first user plane function UPF is deployed on the satellite.

[0525] In step 2505, the P-CSCF network element sends a first AAR message to the PCF network element, where the first AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the first terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The first AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0526] Step 2506: Send a first request message to the SMF network element through the PCF network element, wherein the first request message is used to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow message for the first terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The first request message includes an indication message, and the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0527] In step 2507, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the first request message that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal is the first UPF.

[0528] In step 2508, the P-CSCF network element sends a second AAR message to the PCF network element, where the second AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The second AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0529] In step 2509, the PCF network element sends a second request message to the SMF network element, wherein the second request message is used to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow message for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call, and the second request message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0530] In step 2510, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the second request message that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is the first UPF.

[0531] Step 2511, when the SMF network element determines that the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF, the SMF network element sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0532] In step 2512, when the SMF network element determines that at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the SMF network element changes the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF, and sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0533] In step 2513, the SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the first terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element, where the message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0534] In step 2514, the SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the second terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element. The message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0535] Step 2515: The P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message carrying the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal.

[0536] Step 2516: The P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal, where the session update message includes the address information of the first UPF.

[0537] Step 2517: The session establishment is completed between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0538] Step 2518: After the session is established, the first terminal and the second terminal may forward the media plane data during the IMS call through the first UPF on the satellite.

[0539] It should be noted that, for the specific description of steps 2505 to 2518, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0540] Figure 26 is a third schematic diagram of the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0541] As shown in FIG. 26 , the method may include:

[0542] Step 2601: A first terminal sends a first session invitation request to a P-CSCF network element.

[0543] The first session invitation request carries at least one of the identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, the session description protocol SDP, and other information.

[0544] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media types and codec information supported by the first terminal.

[0545] The Session Description Protocol (SDP) is mainly used for media negotiation before a session starts. The media address is the address for sending and receiving media streams.

[0546] Optionally, the identification information may be in the format of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0547] Optionally, the SDP also includes required bandwidth information, and the network side determines the QoS bandwidth required for the dedicated bearer based on this information after receiving it.

[0548] Step 2602: The P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0549] Regarding the specific implementation manner in which the P-CSCF network element sends the second session invitation request to the second terminal, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0550] Step 2603: The P-CSCF network element receives the 183 message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request.

[0551] In this example, message 183 is a response message corresponding to the second session invitation request.

[0552] The 183 message may include an SDP response message.

[0553] The SDP response message includes the media types and codec information supported by the called UE.

[0554] Step 2604: If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element sends a location query request to the PCF network element, where the location query request is used to query the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0555] Step 2605: The P-CSCF network element receives a location query response message returned by the PCF network element in response to the location query request, wherein the location query response message includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0556] Step 2606: Check whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, and execute steps 2607 and 2610.

[0557] In step 2607, the P-CSCF network element sends a first AAR message to the PCF network element, where the first AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the first terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The first AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0558] Step 2608: Send a first request message to the SMF network element through the PCF network element, wherein the first request message is used to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow message for the first terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The first request message includes an indication message, and the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0559] In step 2609, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the first request message that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal is the first UPF.

[0560] In step 2610, the P-CSCF network element sends a second AAR message to the PCF network element, where the second AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The second AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0561] In step 2611, the PCF network element sends a second request message to the SMF network element, wherein the second request message is used to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow message for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call, and the second request message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0562] In step 2612, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the second request message that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is the first UPF.

[0563] In step 2613, when the SMF network element determines that the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF, the SMF network element sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0564] In step 2614, when the SMF network element determines that at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the SMF network element changes the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF, and sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0565] Step 2615: The SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the first terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element, where the message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0566] Step 2616: The SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the second terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element. The message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0567] Step 2617: The P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message carrying the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal.

[0568] Step 2618: The P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal, where the session update message includes the address information of the first UPF.

[0569] Step 2619: The session establishment is completed between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0570] Step 2620: After the session is established, the first terminal and the second terminal may forward the media plane data during the IMS call via the first UPF on the satellite.

[0571] It should be noted that, for the specific description of steps 2607 to 2620, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0572] Figure 27 is a fourth schematic diagram of the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0573] As shown in FIG. 27 , the method may include:

[0574] Step 2701: A first terminal sends a first session invitation request to a P-CSCF network element.

[0575] In an example, the first session invitation request carries identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and a session description protocol SDP.

[0576] In another example, the first session invitation request carries identification information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, the Session Description Protocol SDP, and location information of the first terminal.

[0577] Optionally, the first terminal may check whether it is connected to a satellite. If it is checked that it is connected to a satellite, the first terminal may correspondingly carry the location information of the first terminal in a first session invitation request sent to the P-CSCF network element.

[0578] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media types and codec information supported by the first terminal.

[0579] The Session Description Protocol (SDP) is mainly used for media negotiation before a session starts. The media address is the address for sending and receiving media streams.

[0580] In this example, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, the access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and the satellite identification of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected.

[0581] Optionally, the identification information may be in the format of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0582] Optionally, the SDP also includes required bandwidth information, and the network side determines the QoS bandwidth required for the dedicated bearer based on this information after receiving it.

[0583] Step 2702: Send a first authentication and authorization request AAR message to the PCF network element, where the first AAR message includes a first location query request, and the first location query request is used to request to query the location information of the first terminal.

[0584] In this embodiment, after receiving the first session invitation request of the first terminal, regardless of whether the first session invitation request actively carries the location information of the first terminal, a first authentication authorization request (AAR) message may be sent to the PCF network element.

[0585] Step 2703: Receive a first re-authentication request (RAR) message returned by the PCF network element in response to the first AAR message, wherein the first RAR message includes the location information of the first terminal.

[0586] Step 2704: The P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0587] Regarding the specific implementation manner in which the P-CSCF network element sends the second session invitation request to the second terminal, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0588] Step 2705: The P-CSCF network element receives the 183 message returned by the second terminal in response to the second session invitation request.

[0589] In one example, the second terminal may actively carry the location information of the second terminal in the 183 message.

[0590] In another example, the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the second terminal's location information. Correspondingly, the first terminal carries the second terminal's location information in the 183 message according to the location information request message.

[0591] In this example, message 183 is a response message corresponding to the second session invitation request.

[0592] The 183 message may also include an SDP response message.

[0593] The SDP response message includes the media types and codec information supported by the called UE.

[0594] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and the satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

[0595] Step 2706: Send a second AAR message to the PCF network element, where the second AAR message includes a second location query request, and the second location query request is used to request to query the location information of the second terminal.

[0596] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a response message returned by the second terminal to the second session invitation request may be received, and a second AAR message may be sent to the PCF network element regardless of whether the response message returned by the second terminal carries the location information of the second terminal.

[0597] Step 2707: Receive a second RAR message returned by the PCF network element in response to the second AAR message, where the second RAR message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0598] Among them, the location information of the second terminal in this example may include but is not limited to at least one of the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and the satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

[0599] In step 2708 , the P-CSCF network element checks whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the first terminal location information and the second terminal location information, and then executes steps 2709 and 2712 .

[0600] In this example, a first user plane function UPF is deployed on the satellite.

[0601] In step 2709, the P-CSCF network element sends a third AAR message to the PCF network element, where the third AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the first terminal to carry voice data during the IMS voice call. The third AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0602] In step 2710, the PCF network element sends a first request message to the SMF network element, wherein the first request message is used to establish a message for the first terminal regarding a quality of service flow QoS Flow for carrying voice data during an IMS voice call. The first request message includes an indication message, and the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0603] In step 2711, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the first request message that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal is the first UPF.

[0604] In step 2712, the P-CSCF network element sends a fourth AAR message to the PCF network element, where the fourth AAR message is used to trigger establishment of a quality of service (QoS) flow for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call. The fourth AAR message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0605] Step 2713: Send a second request message to the SMF network element through the PCF network element, wherein the second request message is used to establish a service quality flow QoS Flow message for the second terminal for carrying voice data during the IMS voice call, and the second request message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite.

[0606] In step 2714, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, and after learning from the indication information carried in the second request message that the second terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call via satellite, checks whether the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is the first UPF.

[0607] In step 2715, when the SMF network element determines that the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal are the first UPF, the SMF network element sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0608] In step 2716, when the SMF network element determines that at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the SMF network element changes the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF, and sends a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

[0609] Step 2717: The SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the first terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element, where the message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0610] Step 2718: The SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message of the second terminal to the P-CSCF network element through the PCF network element. The message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0611] Step 2719: The P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message carrying the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal.

[0612] Step 2720: The P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal, where the session update message includes the address information of the first UPF.

[0613] Step 2721: A session is established between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0614] Step 2722: After the session is established, the first terminal and the second terminal may forward the media plane data during the IMS call via the first UPF on the satellite.

[0615] It should be noted that, for the specific description of steps 2709 to 2722, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0616] In order to implement the above embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a communication device.

[0617] Figure 28 is a block diagram of a communication device for implementing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that the communication device 2800 in this embodiment can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0618] As shown in FIG. 28 , the communication device 2800 includes:

[0619] One or more processors 2801. Processor 2801 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control communication devices (such as base stations, baseband chips, terminals, terminal chips, distributed units (DUs) or centralized units (CUs), etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Processor 2801 is used to call instructions to cause communication device 2800 to execute any of the above methods.

[0620] In some embodiments, the communication device 2800 also includes one or more memories 2802 for storing instructions. In some embodiments, all or part of the memories 2802 may also be external to the communication device 2800.

[0621] In some embodiments, the communication device 2800 further includes one or more transceivers 2803. When the communication device 2800 includes one or more transceivers 2803, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 2803, and the other steps are performed by the processor 2801.

[0622] In some embodiments, the transceiver 2803 may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. In some embodiments, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0623] In some embodiments, the communication device 2800 further includes one or more interface circuits 2804, which are connected to the memory 2802. The interface circuits 2804 can be used to receive signals from the memory 2802 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 2802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 2804 can read instructions stored in the memory 2802 and send the instructions to the processor 2801.

[0624] The communication device 2800 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a space terminal, but the scope of the communication device 2800 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 2800 may not be limited by FIG. 28. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system, or a subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs. In some embodiments, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal, an intelligent terminal, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0625] It should be noted that the implementation process and technical principles of the communication device of this embodiment can be found in the above explanation of the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0626] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a chip.

[0627] FIG29 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0628] As shown in Figure 29, the chip 2900 includes a processor 2901 and an interface circuit 2902. There may be one or more processors 2901, and one or more interface circuits 2902.

[0629] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 2903, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data; the interface circuit 2902 is used to receive signals from the memory 2903 and send signals to the processor 2901, and the signals include computer instructions stored in the memory 2903. When the processor 2901 executes the computer instructions, the communication device executes the communication method described in the above embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0630] In order to implement the above embodiments, the present disclosure further proposes a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the communication method of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0631] In order to implement the above embodiments, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product. When an instruction processor in the computer program product executes, the communication method of the above embodiments is executed.

[0632] It should be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0633] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a specific logical function or process, and the scope of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed out of the order shown or discussed, including performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order depending on the functions involved, which should be understood by technicians in the technical field to which the embodiments of the present disclosure belong.

[0634] It should be understood that various parts of the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented using hardware, as in another embodiment, any one of the following technologies known in the art or a combination thereof can be used to implement: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function on a data signal, an application-specific integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0635] A person skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps carried out in the method of the above embodiment can be completed by a program to instruct the relevant hardware, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it includes one of the steps of the method embodiment or a combination thereof.

[0636] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a single processing module, each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single module. The aforementioned integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. If the integrated modules are implemented in the form of software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0637] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0638] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0639] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied in a first network element, and the method includes: Receiving a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; Determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; When it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an indication message is sent to the second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for conducting an IMS call through the satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Send a message to the second network element that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message that triggers the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message that triggers the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include the indication message.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The indication message includes: identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite includes: It is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The first session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal, and the method further includes: Sending a second session invitation request to the second terminal; A response message returned by the second terminal is received, wherein the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein If the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, the method further includes: Sending a second session invitation request to the second terminal, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal; A response message returned by the second terminal is received, wherein the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The method comprises: If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, sending a location query request to the second network element, wherein the location query request is used to request querying the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; Receive a location query response message returned by the second network element, wherein the location query response message includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

8. The method according to claim 4, wherein The method comprises: Sending a first location query request to the second network element, where the first location query request is used to request location information of the first terminal; receiving a first location query response message returned by the second network element, wherein the first location query response message includes location information of the first terminal; Sending a second location query request to the second network element, where the second location query request is used to request location information of the second terminal; A second location query response message returned by the second network element is received, wherein the second location query response message includes location information of the second terminal.

9. The method according to claim 4 or 8, wherein: The location information of the first terminal includes: at least one of: cell identification information of a cell where the first terminal is located, a base station identification of a base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and a satellite identification of a satellite to which the first terminal is connected; The location information of the second terminal includes at least one of the following: the cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and the satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected. one.

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein The message for triggering establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message for triggering establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal also includes a call mode of the IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

11. The method according to claim 2, wherein The method further comprises: receiving a first QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message includes address information of the first UPF; Sending address information of the first UPF to the first terminal; Receiving a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message includes address information of the first UPF; Sending the address information of the first UPF to the second terminal.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied in a second network element, and the method includes: receiving an indication message sent by a first network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that a condition for the first terminal and the second terminal to conduct an IMS call via a satellite is met, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function (UPF), and the indication message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; Send the indication message to the third network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Send a message to the third network element requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include the indication message.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the message requesting to establish a QoS flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a QoS flow for the second terminal further includes a call mode of the IMS call, wherein: The call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The indication message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The method further comprises: receiving a location query request sent by the first network element, wherein the location query request is used to query location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; Sending a location query response message to the first network element, wherein the location query response message includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; The location information of the first terminal includes: at least one of: cell identification information of a cell where the first terminal is located, a base station identification of a base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and a satellite identification of a satellite to which the first terminal is connected; The location information of the second terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further comprises: Receiving a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the third network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF; Send the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message to the first network element.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein The location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal are used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

19. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied in a third network element, and includes: receiving an indication message sent by a second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet a condition for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; Send a notification message to the first UPF, where the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The method further comprises: If at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF, the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF is changed to the first UPF.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: Receive a message sent by the second network element requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include the indication message.

22. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The notification message and the indication message both include identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein The method further comprises: Send a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message to the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include the address information of the first UPF.

24. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied in a first terminal, and the method includes: Sending a first session invitation request to the first network element, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal; receiving a response message sent by the first network element in response to the first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the response message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; An IMS call is performed according to the address information of the first UPF.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein: The first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein: In the case of detecting that the terminal is connected to the satellite, the first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein The location information of the first terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identification of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected.

28. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein The location information of the first terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

29. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied in a second terminal, and the method includes: receiving a second session invitation request sent by the first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request by the first terminal to conduct an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal; Sending a response message to the first network element for the second session invitation request; receiving a session update message sent by the first network element, wherein the session update message includes: address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, wherein the session update message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; An IMS call is performed according to the address information of the first UPF.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: The second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal, and the response message includes the location information of the second terminal.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein: The response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein: In the case of detecting that the terminal is connected to the satellite, the response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The location information of the second terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

34. The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The location information of the second terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

35. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied in a first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite, and includes: receiving a notification message sent by a third network element, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF; Receive media plane data of an IMS call of a first terminal and forward the media plane data to a second terminal, or receive media plane data of an IMS call of a second terminal and forward the media plane data to the first terminal.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: The notification message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein: The first UPF includes all or part of the functions of a session border controller SBC.

38. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is applied in a first network element, and includes: A receiving module, configured to receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; a determining module, configured to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; A sending module is configured to send an indication message to a second network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet conditions for conducting an IMS call through the satellite.

39. The device according to claim 38, wherein The sending module is specifically used for: Send a message to the second network element that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message that triggers the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message that triggers the establishment of the quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include the indication message.

40. The device according to claim 38, wherein The indication message includes: identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

41. The device according to claim 38, wherein The determining module is specifically configured to: It is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

42. The device according to claim 41, wherein The first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, and the sending module is further configured to send a second session invitation request to the second terminal; The receiving module is further configured to receive a response message returned by the second terminal, wherein the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

43. The device according to claim 41, wherein If the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, the sending module is further configured to send a second session invitation request to the second terminal, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal; The receiving module is further configured to receive a response message returned by the second terminal, wherein the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

44. The device according to claim 42 or 43, characterized in that The apparatus further includes a first processing module, wherein the first processing module is configured to: If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, sending a location query request to the second network element, wherein the location query request is used to request querying the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; Receive a location query response message returned by the second network element, wherein the location query response message includes the first terminal and / or Or the location information of the second terminal.

45. The device according to claim 41, wherein The apparatus further includes a second processing module, wherein the second processing module is configured to: Sending a first location query request to the second network element, where the first location query request is used to request location information of the first terminal; receiving a first location query response message returned by the second network element, wherein the first location query response message includes location information of the first terminal; Sending a second location query request to the second network element, where the second location query request is used to request location information of the second terminal; A second location query response message returned by the second network element is received, wherein the second location query response message includes location information of the second terminal.

46. ​​The device according to claim 41 or 45, characterized in that The location information of the first terminal includes: at least one of: cell identification information of a cell where the first terminal is located, a base station identification of a base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and a satellite identification of a satellite to which the first terminal is connected; The location information of the second terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

47. The device according to claim 39, wherein The message for triggering establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message for triggering establishment of a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal also includes a call mode of the IMS call, wherein the call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

48. The device according to claim 39, wherein The receiving module is further configured to receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message includes address information of the first UPF; The sending module is further configured to send the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal; The receiving module is further configured to receive a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the second network element, wherein the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message includes the address information of the first UPF; The sending module is further configured to send the address information of the first UPF to the second terminal.

49. A communication device, characterized in that The device is applied in a second network element, and includes: a receiving module, configured to receive an indication message sent by a first network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that a condition for conducting an IMS call via a satellite is met between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function (UPF), and the indication message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; The sending module is used to send the indication message to the third network element.

50. The device according to claim 49, wherein The sending module is specifically used for: Send a message to the third network element requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include the indication message.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the message requesting to establish a QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a QoS Flow for the second terminal further includes a call mode of the IMS call, wherein: The call mode is an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

52. The device according to any one of claims 49 to 51, characterized in that The indication message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

53. The device according to claim 52, wherein The receiving module is further configured to receive a location query request sent by the first network element, wherein the location query request is used to query location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; The sending module is further configured to send a location query response message to the first network element, wherein the location query response message includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; The location information of the first terminal includes: the cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station to which the first terminal is connected at least one of a base station identifier, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and a satellite identifier of a satellite to which the first terminal is connected; The location information of the second terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

54. The device according to claim 50, wherein The receiving module is further configured to receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent by the third network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF; The sending module is further used to send the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message to the first network element.

55. The device according to claim 53, wherein The location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal are used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

56. A communication device, characterized in that The device is applied in a third network element, and includes: a receiving module, configured to receive an indication message sent by a second network element, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal meet a condition for conducting an IMS call via a satellite, wherein the satellite includes a first user plane function UPF; A sending module is used to send a notification message to the first UPF, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF.

57. The device according to claim 56, wherein The device further comprises: A modification module is used to modify the UPF of the IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF if at least one of the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF.

58. The device according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that The receiving module is specifically used for: Receive a message sent by the second network element requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or a message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal, wherein the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the first terminal and / or the message requesting to establish a quality of service flow QoS Flow for the second terminal include the indication message.

59. The device according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that The notification message and the indication message both include identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

60. The device according to claim 58, wherein The sending module is further used for: Send a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message to the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal is completed, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal is completed, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include the address information of the first UPF.

61. A communication device, characterized in that The device is applied in a first terminal, and includes: a sending module, configured to send a first session invitation request to the first network element, wherein the first session invitation request is used to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal; a receiving module, configured to receive a response message sent by a first network element in response to the first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the response message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; An IMS call module is used to make an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

62. The device according to claim 61, wherein The first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal.

63. The device according to claim 61, wherein In the case of detecting that the terminal is connected to the satellite, the first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal.

64. The device according to claim 62 or 63, characterized in that The location information of the first terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identification of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected.

65. The device according to claim 62 or 63, characterized in that The location information of the first terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

66. A communication device, characterized in that The device is applied in a second terminal, and includes: A first receiving module is configured to receive a second session invitation request sent by the first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request from the first terminal to conduct an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS call with the second terminal; A first sending module, configured to send a response message to the first network element for the second session invitation request; a second receiving module, configured to receive a session update message sent by the first network element, wherein the session update message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, wherein the session update message is sent by the first network element after determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; An IMS call module is used to make an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

67. The device according to claim 66, characterized in that The second session invitation request includes a location information request message, wherein the location information request message is used to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal, and the response message includes the location information of the second terminal.

68. The device according to claim 66, characterized in that The response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

69. The device according to claim 66, wherein In the case of detecting that the terminal is connected to the satellite, the response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

70. The device according to claim 68 or 69, characterized in that The location information of the second terminal includes at least one of: cell identification information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identification of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identification of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

71. The device according to claim 68 or 69, characterized in that The location information of the second terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

72. A communication device, characterized in that The device is applied in a first user plane function UPF of a satellite, and includes: A first receiving module is configured to receive a notification message sent by a third network element, wherein the notification message is used to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal will conduct an IMS call through the first UPF; The second receiving module is configured to receive media plane data of an IMS call of the first terminal and forward the media plane data to the second terminal, or receive media plane data of an IMS call of the second terminal and forward the media plane data to the first terminal.

73. The device according to claim 72, wherein The notification message includes identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

74. The device according to claim 72, wherein The first UPF includes all or part of the functions of a session border controller SBC.

75. A communication device, characterized in that include: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that when the processor executes the computer program, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37 is implemented.

76. A communication system, characterized in that The system includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a first user plane function UPF on a satellite, a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, wherein: A first network element, configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A second network element, configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18; A third network element, configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23; The first terminal is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28; The second terminal is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34; A first UPF is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37.

77. A chip, characterized in that The invention comprises one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuit is used to receive a signal from a memory of a communication device and send the received signal to the processor, the received signal including a computer instruction stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the computer instruction, the communication device implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method described in any one of claims 12 to 18, or the method described in any one of claims 19 to 23, or the method described in any one of claims 24 to 28, or the method described in any one of claims 29 to 34, or the method described in any one of claims 35 to 37.

78. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method described in any one of claims 12 to 18, or the method described in any one of claims 19 to 23, or the method described in any one of claims 24 to 28, or the method described in any one of claims 29 to 34, or the method described in any one of claims 35 to 37.

79. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a computer program which, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, or the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, or the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37.

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