Communication method, communication apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system. In the method, a first network element sends fourth information to a terminal device, the fourth information comprising a second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information; and a UE monitors a satellite signal on the basis of the fourth information. Therefore, the terminal device can monitor the satellite signal only when satellite signal coverage is available, instead of monitoring the satellite signal all the time, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the terminal device.

Description

Communication method, communication device and communication system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on April 3, 2024, with application number 202410405388.7 and invention name "Communication Method, Communication Device and Communication System", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0004] Due to the relative motion of non-geosynchronous satellites such as medium earth orbit (MEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) relative to the ground, a single satellite may not yet have multiple satellites networked based on inter-satellite links, or may have a constellation with a few sparse inter-satellite links. Therefore, discontinuous coverage may occur when terminal devices use satellite access.

[0005] The discontinuous coverage scenarios currently being discussed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) assume that when a terminal device is covered by a satellite, the satellite can also establish a connection with a ground gateway (i.e., a feeder link exists). However, in reality, terminal devices may be located in areas such as the ocean, isolated islands, or polar regions. When the terminal device is covered by a satellite, the satellite cannot establish a connection with the ground gateway.

[0006] In scenarios with discontinuous satellite coverage, how to reduce the energy consumption of terminal devices remains to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system for reducing energy consumption of terminal equipment.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first network element or a module (such as a chip) in the first network element. The first network element is a store-forward ground function (SFGF) network element, a store-forward satellite function (SFSF) network element, a mobility management network element, an application function network element, or an endpoint proxy. The method includes: obtaining first information, the first information including second information and / or third information; sending fourth information to a terminal device based on the first information, the fourth information being used by the terminal device to monitor satellite signals; wherein the second information is used to indicate the communication behavior of the terminal device; the third information includes a first satellite list or first satellite coverage time information, the first satellite list including an identifier of at least one satellite, the first satellite list being used to indicate satellites that forward data to the terminal device, and the first satellite coverage time information being used to indicate a time range within which the terminal device is covered by satellite signals; and the fourth information includes a second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information, the second satellite list including an identifier of one or more satellites, the second satellite list being used to indicate satellites that forward data to the terminal device, and the second satellite coverage time information being used to indicate a time range within which the terminal device is covered by satellite signals.

[0009] In the above scheme, the first network element sends the fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information includes the second satellite list or the second satellite coverage time information. The UE monitors the satellite signal according to the fourth information, so that the terminal device does not need to monitor the satellite signal all the time, but only monitors the satellite signal when there is satellite signal coverage, which can reduce the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0010] In a possible implementation method, sending fourth information to the terminal device based on the first information includes: sending the fourth information to the terminal device based on the first information, as well as ephemeris information, storage and forwarding mode information, location information of the gateway, location information of the terminal device, or location information of a ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

[0011] The above scheme, when determining the fourth information, also refers to at least one of the ephemeris information, storage and forwarding mode information, the location of the terminal device, the location information of the gateway, or the location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding, which helps to determine the fourth information more accurately, can reduce the waiting time before the terminal device monitors the satellite signal, and help reduce the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0012] In a possible implementation method, the first network element is a store-and-forward satellite function network element, and the location information and store-and-forward mode information of the terminal device can be provided to the store-and-forward satellite function network element by the mobility management network element through capability opening.

[0013] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is a store-and-forward ground function network element, and the location information and store-and-forward mode information of the terminal device can be provided to the store-and-forward ground function network element by the mobility management network element through capability opening.

[0014] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is a store-and-forward satellite function network element; and the sending of the fourth information to the terminal device includes: sending the fourth information to the terminal device through a network open network element and a mobility management network element.

[0015] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is a store-and-forward terrestrial function network element; and sending the fourth information to the terminal device includes: sending the fourth information to the terminal device via a store-and-forward satellite function network element and a network open network element.

[0016] In a possible implementation method, the method also includes: sending fifth information to the storage and forwarding ground function network element based on the first information, the fifth information including the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the storage and forwarding ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

[0017] In a possible implementation method, sending the fifth information to the storage-and-forwarding ground function network element based on the first information includes: sending the fifth information to the storage-and-forwarding ground function network element based on the first information, as well as ephemeris information, storage-and-forwarding mode information, the location information of the terminal device, the location information of the gateway station, or at least one of the location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

[0018] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is a storage and forwarding ground function network element; the method also includes: receiving first downlink data of the terminal device from the application function network element; sending the first downlink data to one or more satellites corresponding to the fifth information; wherein the fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the storage and forwarding ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

[0019] In the above scheme, the storage and forwarding ground functional network element can accurately determine the time when the downlink data of the terminal device can be forwarded according to the fifth information, which helps to correctly send the downlink data of the terminal device.

[0020] In one possible implementation method, the second information includes at least one of the following: the maximum transmission delay that the terminal device can tolerate when receiving downlink data, the movement trajectory of the terminal device, the power consumption information of the terminal device, or the time preference of the terminal device for transmitting data.

[0021] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is an SFGF network element, an SFSF network element, an application function network element or an endpoint proxy device, and the third information comes from a mobility management network element, and the third information is generated by the mobility management network element, or obtained by negotiation between the mobility management network element and the terminal device.

[0022] In one implementation method, the first network element is a mobility management network element, and the method further includes: generating the third information.

[0023] In one implementation method, generating the third information includes: receiving a third satellite list from the terminal device, and determining the third information according to the third satellite list.

[0024] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a storage and forwarding ground function network element or a module (such as a chip) in the storage and forwarding ground function network element. The method includes: receiving first downlink data of a terminal device from an application function network element; sending the first downlink data to the terminal device through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to fifth information; wherein the fifth information includes a second satellite list or third satellite coverage time information, the second satellite list includes the identifiers of one or more satellites, the second satellite list is used to indicate the satellites that forward data to the terminal device, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range when the storage and forwarding ground function network element has satellite signal coverage.

[0025] In the above scheme, the storage and forwarding ground functional network element sends the first downlink data to the terminal device through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information. The fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information. That is, the storage and forwarding ground functional network element forwards the first downlink data of the terminal device in the presence of a feeder link, which can achieve the correct sending of the downlink data of the terminal device.

[0026] In a possible implementation method, sending the first downlink data to the terminal device through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information includes: sending the first downlink data to the terminal device through a storage and forwarding satellite function network element on one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information.

[0027] In a possible implementation method, the method further includes: receiving the fifth information from the application function network element, the mobility management network element or the first satellite.

[0028] In a possible implementation method, the method further includes: determining the fifth information based on the first information, the first information including the second information and / or the third information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the communication behavior of the terminal device; the third information includes a first satellite list or first satellite coverage time information, the first satellite list includes an identifier of at least one satellite, the first satellite list is used to indicate the satellite that forwards data for the terminal device, and the first satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the terminal device is covered by the satellite signal.

[0029] In a possible implementation method, determining the fifth information based on the first information includes: determining the fifth information based on the first information, and at least one of the location information of the terminal device, storage and forwarding mode information, ephemeris information, location information of the gateway station, or location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

[0030] The above scheme, when determining the fifth information, also refers to at least one of the ephemeris information, storage and forwarding mode information, the location information of the gateway, the location of the terminal device, or the location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding, which helps to determine the fifth information more accurately, and further helps the storage and forwarding ground functional network element to correctly send the downlink data of the terminal device.

[0031] In a possible implementation method, the method further includes: sending fourth information to the terminal device based on the first information; wherein the fourth information is used by the terminal device to monitor satellite signals, and the fourth information includes the second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information, and the second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the terminal device is covered by satellite signals.

[0032] The above scheme sends the fourth information to the terminal device, which includes the second satellite list or the second satellite coverage time information. The UE monitors the satellite signal according to the fourth information, so that the terminal device does not need to monitor the satellite signal all the time, but only monitors the satellite signal when there is satellite signal coverage, which can reduce the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0033] In a possible implementation method, sending the fourth information to the terminal device includes: sending the fourth information to the terminal device through a network open network element.

[0034] In one possible implementation method, the second information includes at least one of the following: the maximum transmission delay that the terminal device can tolerate when receiving downlink data, the movement trajectory of the terminal device, the power consumption information of the terminal device, or the time preference of the terminal device for transmitting data.

[0035] In a possible implementation method, the third information comes from a mobility management network element, and the third information is generated by the mobility management network element, or obtained through negotiation between the mobility management network element and the terminal device.

[0036] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first network element or a module (such as a chip) in the first network element. The device has the function of implementing any implementation method of the first aspect described above. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a store-and-forward ground function network element on a satellite, or a module (such as a chip) within a store-and-forward ground function network element on a satellite. The device has the function of implementing any of the implementation methods of the second aspect described above. The function may be implemented in hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a unit or means for executing each step of any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to second aspects.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute any of the implementation methods in the first to second aspects above. The processor comprises one or more.

[0040] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory for storing computer instructions, the memory being coupled to a processor, and the processor executing the computer instructions stored in the memory so that the device executes any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to second aspects.

[0041] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run by a communication device, any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to second aspects is executed.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed on a communication device, enables any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to second aspects to be executed.

[0043] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip (or chip system), which includes a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, and the memory stores a computer program; the processor is used to call part or all of the computer program in the memory, so that any implementation method of the above-mentioned first aspect to the second aspect is executed.

[0044] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, including an application function network element, and a storage and forwarding ground function network element for executing any implementation method of the second aspect; the application function network element is used to send the first downlink data of the terminal device to the storage and forwarding ground function network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture;

[0046] Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram of a satellite access scenario where a base station is deployed on a satellite;

[0047] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram of a satellite access scenario where base stations and core network equipment are deployed on a satellite;

[0048] Figure 3 is an example diagram of satellite coverage;

[0049] Figures 4(a) to 4(b) are schematic flow charts of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] 5 to 7 are flow charts of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of the structures of the communication devices provided in the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture. The 5G network architecture shown in Figure 1 includes a data network (DN) and a carrier network. The following briefly describes the functions of some of these network elements.

[0053] The operator network includes one or more of the following network elements: authentication server function (AUSF) network element, unified data repository (UDR) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, unified data management (UDM) network element, access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, application function (AF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, network repository function (NRF) network element, network exposure function (NEF) network element, user plane function (UPF) network element, access network (AN) equipment (in the figure, the AN equipment is a radio access network (RAN) equipment as an example), etc. In the above operator network, network elements or equipment other than the access network equipment can be referred to as core network network elements or core network equipment.

[0054] Access network equipment includes wired access network equipment and wireless access network equipment. Among them, the wireless access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation base station (next generation NodeB, gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, etc.; it can also be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of a base station, for example, it can be a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific equipment form adopted by the access network equipment.

[0055] Terminal devices that communicate with access network devices include terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. The figure takes the terminal device as an example of UE. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal device.

[0056] Access network equipment and terminal devices can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; and in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of access network equipment and terminal devices.

[0057] The mobility management network element is mainly used for the attachment, mobility management, and tracking area update (TAU) processes of terminal devices in mobile networks. The access management network element terminates the non-access stratum (NAS) message, completes registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management, allocates the tracking area list (TA list), and transparently routes the session management (SM) message to the session management network element. In 5G communications, the mobility management network element can be an AMF network element. In future communications such as the 6th generation (6G) communications, the mobility management network element can still be an AMF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0058] The session management network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator network, which is responsible for managing the protocol data unit (PDU) session of the terminal device. The PDU session is a channel for transmitting PDUs, and the terminal device transmits PDUs to each other with the DN through the PDU session. The SMF network element is responsible for establishing, maintaining and deleting the PDU session. The session management network element includes session management (such as session establishment, modification and release, including tunnel maintenance between user plane network elements and access network equipment), selection and control of user plane network elements, service and session continuity (SSC) mode selection, roaming and other session-related functions. In 5G communications, the session management network element can be an SMF network element. In future communications such as 6G communications, the session management network element can still be an SMF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0059] The user plane network element is a gateway provided by the operator and serves as the gateway for communication between the operator network and the DN. The user plane network element includes user plane related functions such as data packet routing and transmission, packet detection, service usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing, lawful interception, uplink packet detection, downlink data packet storage, etc. In 5G communications, the user plane network element can be a UPF network element. In future communications such as 6G communications, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0060] The unified data management network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator, responsible for storing information such as the subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), credentials, security context, and subscription data of subscribers in the operator network. The information stored by the data management network element can be used for authentication and authorization of terminal devices to access the operator network. Among them, the subscribers of the above-mentioned operator network can specifically be users who use services provided by the operator network, such as users who use China Telecom's mobile phone SIM cards, or users who use China Mobile's mobile phone SIM cards, etc. The SUPI of the above-mentioned subscribers can be the number of the mobile phone SIM card, etc. The credentials and security context of the above-mentioned subscribers can be small files storing encryption keys of the mobile phone SIM card or information related to the encryption of the mobile phone SIM card, used for authentication and / or authorization. The above-mentioned security context can be data (cookie) or token stored on the user's local terminal (such as a mobile phone). The subscription data of the above-mentioned subscribers can be supporting services of the mobile phone SIM card, such as the data package or network usage of the mobile phone SIM card, etc. It should be noted that SUPI, credentials, security context, authentication data (cookie), and token are equivalent to authentication and authorization-related information. In this application document, for the sake of convenience of description, no distinction or restriction is made. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application will be described using security context as an example, but the embodiments of this application are also applicable to authentication and / or authorization information expressed in other ways. In 5G communications, the unified data management network element can be a UDM network element. In future communications such as 6G communications, the unified data management network element can still be a UDM network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0061] The unified database network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator, which includes the access function of executing contract data, policy data, application data, and other types of data. In 5G communications, the unified database network element can be a UDR network element. In future communications such as 6G communications, the unified database network element can still be a UDR network element or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0062] The network open network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator. The network open network element opens the external interface of the operator network to a third party in a secure manner. When the session management network element needs to communicate with the network element of a third party, the network open network element can serve as a relay for the communication between the session management network element and the network element of the third party. When the network open network element acts as a relay, it can translate the identification information of the subscriber, as well as the identification information of the third-party network element. For example, when the network open network element sends the SUPI of the subscriber from the operator network to the third party, the SUPI can be translated into its corresponding external identity. Conversely, when the network open network element sends the external ID (the network element ID of the third party) to the operator network, it can be translated into SUPI. In 5G communication, the network open network element can be a NEF network element. In future communications such as 6G communication, the network open network element can still be a NEF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0063] The application function network element is used to convey the requirements of the application side to the network side, such as quality of service (QoS) requirements or user status event subscriptions. The application function network element can be a third-party functional entity or an application server deployed by the operator. In 5G communication, the application function network element can be an AF network element. In future communications such as 6G communication, the application function network element can still be an AF network element or have other names, which are not limited in this application. The application function network element in the embodiment of the present application can also be called an application server.

[0064] The policy control network element is a control plane function provided by the operator, including user subscription data management, policy control, charging policy control, QoS control, etc. In 5G communications, the policy control network element can be a PCF network element. In future communications such as 6G communications, the policy control network element can still be a PCF network element or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0065] The network storage function network element can be used to provide network element discovery function, and provide network element information corresponding to the network element type based on the request of other network elements. The network storage function network element also provides network element management services, such as network element registration, update, deregistration, and network element status subscription and push. In 5G communication, the network storage function network element can be an NRF network element. In future communications such as 6G communication, the network storage function network element can still be an NRF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0066] A DN is a network located outside of a carrier network. A carrier network can connect to multiple DNs, and a variety of services can be deployed on the DN, providing data and / or voice services to terminal devices. For example, a DN is the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the workshop can be terminal devices. The DN houses a sensor control server, which provides services to the sensors. Sensors can communicate with the control server, receive instructions from the control server, and transmit collected sensor data to the control server based on the instructions. Another example is a DN that is a company's internal office network. An employee's mobile phone or computer can be a terminal device, allowing them to access information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

[0067] In Figure 1, Nausf, Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, Nsmf, Nnrf, and Nnef are service-oriented interfaces provided by the AUSF network element, PCF network element, UDR network element, UDM network element, AF network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, NRF network element, and NEF network element, respectively, and are used to invoke corresponding service-oriented operations. N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface serial numbers, and their meanings are as follows:

[0068] 1) N1: The interface between the AMF network element and the terminal device, which can be used to transmit non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (such as QoS rules from the AMF network element) to the terminal device.

[0069] 2) N2: The interface between the AMF network element and the radio access network equipment, which can be used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the radio access network equipment.

[0070] 3) N3: The interface between the wireless access network equipment and the UPF network element, mainly used to transmit uplink user plane data and / or downlink user plane data between the wireless access network equipment and the UPF network element.

[0071] 4) N4: The interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, which can be used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including controlling the issuance of forwarding rules, QoS rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. for the user plane and reporting information on the user plane.

[0072] 5) N6: The interface between the UPF network element and the DN, used to transmit uplink user data flow and / or downlink user data flow between the UPF network element and the DN.

[0073] It is understood that the above-mentioned network element or function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, or by multiple devices, or can be a functional module within a single device, and this is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0074] For the sake of convenience, in the embodiments of the present application, the AMF network element, AF network element, NEF network element, base station, and UE are respectively used as an example of a mobility management network element, an application function network element, a network open network element, an access network device, and a terminal device. The AMF network element, AF network element, NEF network element, base station, and UE that appear anywhere subsequently can be replaced by a mobility management network element, an application function network element, a network open network element, an access network device, and a terminal device, respectively.

[0075] To facilitate understanding of the content of this application, the nouns or terms involved in this application are introduced below. It should be noted that the following uses 5G mobile communication scenarios as an example, and in actual applications, it is also applicable to fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication scenarios or future mobile communication scenarios (such as 6G mobile communication, etc.).

[0076] 1. The 5th generation system (5GS)

[0077] 5GS boasts high bandwidth, high reliability, and low latency. With the development of satellite communication technology, the bandwidth capacity of communication satellites has increased significantly, while costs have decreased. The integration of satellite networks with 5G networks is emerging, and their powerful coverage capabilities can help 5G networks reach remote areas with sparse populations, as well as areas such as oceans and isolated islands that are difficult for terrestrial networks to reach.

[0078] 2. Integration of Satellite Communications and 5GS

[0079] 3GPP is considering using satellites as RF modules for ground-based base stations, providing transparent forwarding capabilities. Furthermore, 3GPP is considering satellites supporting data processing, meaning they could provide non-transparent forwarding capabilities (or regenerative capabilities). Specifically, 3GPP is considering deploying base stations on satellites, or base stations and some or all core network equipment on satellites.

[0080] This application assumes that satellites have renewable capabilities, and considers that satellites are deployed with onboard base stations, or both onboard base stations and onboard core network equipment. UEs can access the 5G core network through onboard base stations. Among them, onboard base stations are also called onboard RAN, onboard base stations, or base stations deployed on satellites, etc. For ease of explanation, this application uniformly refers to them as onboard base stations. Onboard core network equipment is also called core network equipment on satellites, onboard core network equipment, or core network equipment deployed on satellites, etc. For ease of explanation, this application uniformly refers to them as onboard core network equipment.

[0081] The core network equipment deployed on the satellite includes, for example, but is not limited to, one or more of an AMF network element, an SMF network element, an UPF network element, an NEF network element, an UDM network element, an UDR network element, an SFSF network element, or an AUSF network element. The SFSF network element is a network element deployed on the satellite that has the function of storing and forwarding data.

[0082] As an implementation method, an endpoint proxy device may also be deployed on the satellite, and the endpoint proxy device may be used to relay uplink data and / or downlink data of a ground device (such as a UE).

[0083] In the case where SFSF network elements are deployed on the satellite, SFGF network elements can be deployed on the ground accordingly. The SFGF network elements are network elements deployed on the ground that have the function of storing and forwarding data. For example, in the uplink direction, the base station and / or endpoint proxy device on the satellite receives uplink data from the UE and sends the uplink data to the AMF network element or UPF network element. Then the AMF network element or UPF network element sends the uplink data to the SFSF network element through the NEF network element. The SFSF network element can send uplink data to the SFGF network element on the ground, and the SFGF network element can send uplink data to the AF network element. In the downlink direction, the AF network element sends the UE's downlink data to the SFGF network element on the ground. The SFGF network element sends the downlink data to the SFSF network element. The SFSF network element sends the downlink data to the AMF network element or UPF network element through the NEF network element. Then the AMF network element or UPF network element sends the downlink data to the base station or endpoint proxy device on the satellite, and the base station or endpoint proxy device sends the downlink data to the UE.

[0084] Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram of a satellite access scenario where a base station is deployed on a satellite. A base station deployed on a satellite, also known as a satellite-borne base station, has data processing and data storage and forwarding capabilities.

[0085] Figure 2(b) illustrates a satellite access scenario in which a base station and core network equipment are deployed on a satellite. A base station and core network equipment are deployed on a satellite. The base station is also called an onboard base station, and the core network equipment is also called an onboard core network equipment. The onboard base station has data processing and storage and forwarding capabilities, while the onboard core network equipment has data storage and forwarding capabilities.

[0086] 3. Discontinuous Satellite Coverage

[0087] Since non-geosynchronous satellites such as MEO and LEO move relative to the ground, a single satellite may not yet have multiple satellites networked based on inter-satellite links, or may have a constellation with a few sparse inter-satellite links. Therefore, discontinuous coverage may occur when UE uses satellite access.

[0088] The discontinuous coverage scenarios currently being discussed by 3GPP assume that when a UE is covered by a satellite, the satellite can also establish a connection with a ground gateway (i.e., a feeder link exists). However, in reality, the UE may be located in areas such as the ocean, an isolated island, or the polar regions. When the UE is covered by a satellite, the satellite cannot establish a connection with the ground gateway. In this case, existing technologies cannot support communications in this scenario.

[0089] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a scenario with discontinuous satellite coverage. At time T1, the satellite is located over the ocean and can cover the UE. The satellite can establish a connection with the UE (i.e., a service link), but the satellite cannot establish a connection with the 5G core network on land through the ground gateway. At time T2, the satellite moves over the land and can establish a connection with the 5G core network through the ground gateway, but the satellite cannot establish a connection with the UE in the ocean. At time T3, the satellite covers the UE on the ocean again. At this time, the satellite can establish a connection with the UE, but the satellite cannot establish a connection with the 5G core network on land through the ground gateway. Therefore, in this scenario, the satellite cannot communicate with the UE and the 5G core network at the same time. If the UE is to send and receive data, the satellite needs to support storage and forwarding functions, such as deploying a base station on the satellite and the base station supporting caching of uplink and downlink data, or deploying a base station and core network equipment, and the base station and / or core network equipment supporting caching of uplink and downlink data to achieve tolerance for delays and interruptions.

[0090] In scenarios with discontinuous satellite coverage, how to save UE energy consumption remains to be solved.

[0091] In order to solve this problem, this application provides a corresponding solution.

[0092] Figure 4(a) is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a first network element or a module (e.g., a chip) within the first network element. The following description uses the first network element executing the method as an example. The first network element is an SFGF network element, an SFSF network element, an AMF network element, an AF network element, or an endpoint proxy device.

[0093] The method comprises the following steps:

[0094] In step 401a, the first network element obtains first information, where the first information includes second information and / or third information.

[0095] The second information is used to indicate the communication behavior of the UE, which may also be referred to as a communication pattern. The second information may also be referred to as auxiliary information used by the UE to transmit data.

[0096] The second information may be application layer data, which is determined by the AF network element.

[0097] Exemplarily, the second information includes at least one of the following: a maximum transmission delay that the UE can tolerate when receiving downlink data, a movement trajectory of the UE, power consumption information of the UE, or a time preference of the UE for transmitting data.

[0098] The maximum transmission delay that the UE can tolerate when receiving downlink data refers to the difference between the time when the AF network element sends the UE's downlink data and the time when the UE receives the downlink data.

[0099] The UE's motion trajectory is used to indicate the locations of the UE at different times when the UE moves, for example, at location 1 at time t1, at location 2 at time t2, etc. The UE's motion trajectory can also be used to indicate whether the UE is a fixed UE or a mobile UE.

[0100] The UE power consumption information is used to indicate whether the energy used by the UE is replenishable or to indicate that the energy used by the UE is disposable. The UE power consumption information can be used to determine the transmission frequency of the UE's uplink data and / or downlink data.

[0101] The UE's time preference for transmitting data includes the UE's time preference for sending uplink data and / or the UE's time preference for receiving downlink data. The UE's time preference for sending uplink data indicates the time period during which the UE sends uplink data and / or the time period during which the UE does not send uplink data. The UE's time preference for receiving downlink data indicates the time period during which the UE receives downlink data and / or the time period during which the UE does not receive downlink data. For example, the UE may not receive downlink data due to energy conservation requirements.

[0102] Illustratively, the time preference of the UE for sending uplink data may specifically be a time plan for the UE to send uplink data, for example, the time plan includes a frequency at which the UE sends uplink data. Alternatively, the time preference of the UE for sending uplink data may specifically be a service plan for the UE to send uplink data, for example, the service plan is for the UE to send data once every other month.

[0103] Illustratively, the time preference of the UE for receiving downlink data may specifically be a time plan for the UE to receive downlink data, for example, the time plan includes a frequency at which the UE receives downlink data. Alternatively, the time preference of the UE for receiving downlink data may specifically be a service plan for the UE to receive downlink data, for example, the service plan is for the UE to receive data once every other month.

[0104] The third information includes the first satellite list or the first satellite coverage time information. The first satellite list may also be referred to as the initial satellite list, and the first satellite coverage time information may also be referred to as the initial satellite coverage time information. Exemplarily, the third information may be generated by the AMF network element, or obtained by negotiation between the AMF network element and the UE. For example, the UE provides the third satellite list, and the AMF network element determines the third information based on the third satellite list.

[0105] The first satellite list includes an identifier of at least one satellite, and the first satellite list is used to indicate satellites that forward data for the UE. Exemplarily, the first satellite list includes the ID of satellite #1, the ID of satellite #2, and the ID of satellite #3. Satellite #1, satellite #2, and satellite #3 can be used to forward downlink data and / or uplink data for the UE.

[0106] The first satellite coverage time information is used to indicate a time range in which the UE is covered by satellite signals. For example, the first satellite coverage time information is used to indicate that the time range in which the UE is covered by satellite signals is from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.

[0107] The first satellite list and the first satellite coverage time information can be converted to each other. For example, the first satellite coverage time information can be determined based on the ephemeris information and the first satellite list, and the first satellite list can be determined based on the ephemeris information and the first satellite coverage time information. It can be understood that the first satellite list and the first satellite coverage time information correspond to the same satellites and the same satellite coverage time.

[0108] The ephemeris information is used to indicate one or more of the satellite's flight orbit, flight angle, and flight speed, which are described here and not repeated here.

[0109] The first network element is pre-configured with the ephemeris information or the first network element obtains the ephemeris information from other network elements.

[0110] Step 402a: The first network element sends fourth information to the UE based on the first information. The fourth information is used by the UE to monitor satellite signals.

[0111] It can be understood that the first network element determines the fourth information based on the first information and sends the fourth information to the UE.

[0112] The fourth information includes a second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information.

[0113] The second satellite list includes identifiers of one or more satellites, and the second satellite list is used to indicate satellites that forward data for the UE.

[0114] The second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate a time range in which the UE is covered by satellite signals.

[0115] The second satellite list includes identifiers of one or more satellites, and the second satellite list is used to indicate satellites that forward data for the UE. Exemplarily, the second satellite list includes the ID of satellite #2 and the ID of satellite #3, and satellite #2 and satellite #3 can be used to forward downlink data and / or uplink data for the UE.

[0116] The second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate a time range during which the UE is covered by satellite signals. For example, the second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate that the time range during which the UE is covered by satellite signals is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Exemplarily, the second satellite coverage time information may be represented by a time period during which satellites are visible to the UE (availability period for UE) or a time period during which satellites are not visible to the UE (unavailability period for UE).

[0117] The second satellite list and the second satellite coverage time information can be converted to each other. For example, the second satellite coverage time information can be determined based on the ephemeris information and the second satellite list, and the second satellite list can be determined based on the ephemeris information and the second satellite coverage time information. It can be understood that the second satellite list and the second satellite coverage time information correspond to the same satellites and the same satellite coverage time.

[0118] As an implementation method, the second satellite list is the same as the first satellite list, or the second satellite list is a subset of the first satellite list. It can be understood that the first satellite list is the initial satellite list and the second satellite list is the final satellite list.

[0119] As an implementation method, the second satellite coverage time information is the same as the first satellite coverage time information, or the second satellite coverage time information is a subset of the first satellite coverage time information. It can be understood that the first satellite coverage time information is the initial satellite coverage time information, and the second satellite coverage time information is the final satellite coverage time information.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, the relationship between the first satellite list and the second satellite list is not limited, and the relationship between the first satellite coverage time information and the second satellite coverage time information is not limited.

[0121] As an implementation method, step 402a may specifically include: the first network element sending the fourth information to the UE based on the first information and at least one of the ephemeris information, the store-and-forward mode information, the UE's location information, the gateway's location information, or the location information of a terrestrial network element used for store-and-forward (e.g., an SFGF network element, a UPF network element, an NEF network element, or a UE proxy). That is, the first network element determines the fourth information based on the first information and at least one of the ephemeris information, the gateway's location information, the UE's location information, or the location information of a terrestrial network element used for store-and-forward, and sends the fourth information to the UE.

[0122] The above-mentioned store-and-forward mode information may indicate whether the UE prefers to access from a single satellite, multiple satellites, or all satellites, or may indicate the satellite information preferred by the UE, including satellite identification information or satellite coverage time information. This information may be provided by the UE or by the application layer.

[0123] As an implementation method, the first network element is a SFSF network element, and the location information and storage and forwarding mode information of the UE can be provided to the SFSF network element by the AMF network element through capability opening.

[0124] As an implementation method, the first network element is a SFGF network element, and the location information and storage and forwarding mode information of the UE can be provided to the SFGF network element by the AMF network element through capability opening.

[0125] As an implementation method, the first network element is an SFSF network element, and the SFSF network element may send the fourth information to the UE through the NEF network element and the AMF network element. That is, the SFSF network element sends the fourth information to the NEF network element, the NEF network element sends the fourth information to the AMF network element, and then the AMF network element sends the fourth information to the UE.

[0126] As an implementation method, the first network element is an SFGF network element, and the SFGF network element can send the fourth information to the UE through the SFSF network element and the NEF network element. That is, the SFGF network element sends the fourth information to the SFSF network element, the SFSF network element sends the fourth information to the NEF network element, the NEF network element sends the fourth information to the AMF network element, and then the AMF network element sends the fourth information to the UE. After receiving the fourth information, the UE can receive downlink data according to the fourth information. For example, based on the fourth information, the UE monitors the satellite signal or the downlink data of the UE sent by the satellite within the time range covered by the satellite signal. The UE sleeps or shuts down outside the time range covered by the satellite signal (that is, when there is no satellite signal coverage) and does not monitor the satellite signal, thereby achieving the purpose of energy saving. The UE can store the fourth information.

[0127] As an implementation method, the first network element may further send fifth information to the SFGF network element based on the first information. Specifically, the first network element determines fifth information based on the first information and sends the fifth information to the SFGF network element. The fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information. The meaning of the second satellite list is described above and is not repeated here.

[0128] As an implementation method, the first network element determines the fifth information based on the first information, and at least one of the ephemeris information, the storage and forwarding mode information, the location information of the gateway, the location information of the UE, or the location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

[0129] As a specific implementation method, the first network element is an AMF network element, an SFSF network element or an endpoint proxy device. The first network element can first determine the second satellite list based on the first information and the location information of the UE, and then determine the third satellite coverage time information based on the ephemeris information, the second satellite list and the location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding (such as SFGF network element, UPF network element, NEF network element or UE proxy device (UE proxy)) or the location information of the gateway.

[0130] Optionally, when the first network element is an AMF network element, the AMF network element can also open the fifth information to the endpoint proxy device or the SFSF network element.

[0131] The third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range during which the SFGF network element is covered by satellite signals. For example, the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate that the time range during which the SFGF network element is covered by satellite signals is from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Exemplarily, the third satellite coverage time information can be represented by a time period during which satellites are visible from the SFGF network element ("availability period for ground") or a time period during which satellites are not visible from the SFGF network element ("unavailability period for ground").

[0132] The second satellite list and the third satellite coverage time information can be converted to each other. For example, the third satellite coverage time information can be determined based on the ephemeris information and the second satellite list, and the second satellite list can be determined based on the ephemeris information and the third satellite coverage time information. It can be understood that the second satellite list and the third satellite coverage time information correspond to the same satellites and the same satellite coverage time.

[0133] As an implementation method, the first network element is an SFSF network element, an SFGF network element or an endpoint proxy device. When the first network element determines the fourth information based on the third information, or determines the fourth information based on the third information and the second information, and the third information is obtained by negotiation between the AMF network element and the UE, the process of the first network element determining the fourth information can also be understood as: the UE, the core network network element (ie, the AMF network element) and the first network element negotiate to obtain at least one of the second satellite list information, the second satellite coverage time information, and the third satellite coverage time information.

[0134] In the above scheme, the first network element sends fourth information to the UE, where the fourth information includes a second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information. The UE monitors the satellite signal according to the fourth information, so that the UE does not need to monitor the satellite signal all the time, but only monitors the satellite signal when there is satellite signal coverage, which can reduce the energy consumption of the UE.

[0135] Figure 4(b) is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by an AF network element (or a module within the AF network element, such as a chip) and an SFGF network element (or a module within the SFGF network element, such as a chip). The following description uses the AF network element and the SFGF network element as an example to illustrate the method.

[0136] The method comprises the following steps:

[0137] Step 401b: The AF network element sends the first downlink data of the UE to the SFGF network element. Correspondingly, the SFGF network element receives the first downlink data of the UE.

[0138] The AF network element is deployed on the ground, and the AF network element can send the first downlink data of the UE to the SFGF network element deployed on the ground.

[0139] Step 402b: The SFGF network element sends the first downlink data to the UE via one or more satellites corresponding to the fifth information. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first downlink data.

[0140] The meaning of the fifth information can be found in the description of the embodiment of FIG4( a ) and will not be described in detail.

[0141] The fifth information may be determined by the SFGF network element, or may be determined by the AF network element, the AMF network element, the SFSF network element on the first satellite, or the endpoint proxy device on the first satellite and sent to the SFGF network element. The first satellite may be any satellite.

[0142] The SFGF network element sends the first downlink data to the UE through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information, which means that when there is a feeder link between one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information and the SFGF network element, the SFGF network element can send the first downlink data of the UE to the one or more satellites, and the one or more satellites forward the first downlink data of the UE to the UE. The satellite corresponding to the fifth information can be a satellite in the second satellite list or a satellite corresponding to the third satellite coverage time information. For example, the satellites corresponding to the fifth information include satellite #1, satellite #2, and satellite #3. If satellite #2 has a feeder link with the SFGF network element, the SFGF network element can send the first downlink data to the UE through satellite #2; if both satellite #2 and satellite #3 have feeder links with the SFGF network element, the SFGF network element can send the first downlink data to the UE through satellite #2 and / or satellite #3.

[0143] As an implementation method, the SFGF can send the first downlink data of the UE to the SFSF network element on one or more satellites corresponding to the fifth information, and then the SFSF network element sends the first downlink data of the UE to the NEF network element on the satellite, and then the NEF network element sends the first downlink data to the AMF network element on the satellite, and the AMF network element sends the first downlink data of the UE to the base station or endpoint proxy device on the satellite, and the base station or endpoint proxy device sends the first downlink data to the UE when the UE has a service link.

[0144] In the above scheme, the SFGF network element sends the first downlink data to the UE through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information. The fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information. That is, the SFGF network element forwards the first downlink data of the UE when there is a feeder link, so as to achieve the correct sending of the UE's downlink data.

[0145] It should be noted that the embodiments of FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ) above can be implemented separately or in combination, and this application does not limit this.

[0146] The embodiments of Figures 4(a) and 4(b) above are described below with reference to specific examples. In the embodiment of Figure 5 below, the fourth and fifth information are determined by the AMF network element. In the embodiment of Figure 6 below, the fourth and fifth information are determined by the SFSF network element. In the embodiment of Figure 7 below, the fourth and fifth information are determined by the SFGF network element.

[0147] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the fourth information and the fifth information may also be determined by the AF network element, the endpoint proxy device or the base station, and this application is not limited to this.

[0148] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, a base station, an AMF network element, and a SFSF network element are deployed on a satellite. The functions of the base station can also be implemented by an endpoint proxy device. The method includes the following steps:

[0149] Step 501: The AMF network element sends fourth information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth information.

[0150] The meaning of the fourth information can be referred to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 4(a) above, and will not be repeated here.

[0151] As an implementation method, the AMF network element can send the fourth information to the base station, and when there is a service link between the base station and the UE, the base station sends the fourth information to the UE.

[0152] The AMF network element may determine the fourth information based on the second information and / or the third information, or may determine the fourth information based on the second information and / or the third information, and at least one of ephemeris information, store-and-forward mode information, location information of a gateway, location information of the UE, or location information of a terrestrial network element used for store-and-forward. The location information of the UE may be obtained by the AMF network element from a base station.

[0153] Step 502: The AMF network element sends the fifth information to the SFGF network element. Correspondingly, the SFGF network element receives the fifth information.

[0154] The meaning of the fifth information can be referred to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 4(a) or Figure 4(b) above, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] As an implementation method, the AMF network element can send the fourth information to the SFSF network element, and when there is a feeder link between the SFSF network element and the ground SFGF network element, the SFSF network element sends the fifth information to the SFGF network element.

[0156] The AMF network element may determine the fifth information based on the second information and / or the third information, or may determine the fifth information based on the second information and / or the third information, and at least one of ephemeris information, store-and-forward mode information, gateway location information, UE location information, or location information of a terrestrial network element used for store-and-forward. The UE location information may be obtained by the AMF network element from a base station.

[0157] The following describes the process of the AF network element sending the UE's downlink data to the UE, which is specifically divided into stage 1 (i.e. the stage where the ground SFGF network element has a feeder link) and stage 2 (i.e. the stage where the UE has a service link).

[0158] It should be noted that the satellites involved in the following stages 1 and 2 may or may not be the same as the satellites involved in steps 501 and 502. For example, if the satellite involved in steps 501 and 502 is satellite #1, the satellites involved in stages 1 and 2 include satellite #1, satellite #2, and satellite #3. For another example, if the satellite involved in steps 501 and 502 is satellite #1, the satellite involved in stages 1 and 2 is also satellite #1. For another example, if the satellite involved in steps 501 and 502 is satellite #1, the satellites involved in stages 1 and 2 include satellite #2 and satellite #3.

[0159] Phase 1 (involving the following steps 503 to 504): There is no service link between the satellite and the UE, and there is a feeder link between the satellite and the SFGF network element.

[0160] Step 503: The AF network element sends the downlink data of the UE to the SFGF network element. Correspondingly, the SFGF network element receives the downlink data of the UE.

[0161] In the embodiment of the present application, downlink data is also referred to as mobile terminated (MT) data.

[0162] Step 504: The SFGF network element sends the downlink data of the UE to the SFSF network elements on one or more satellites corresponding to the fifth information. Correspondingly, the SFSF network element receives the downlink data of the UE.

[0163] Exemplarily, when a feeder link exists between one or more of the satellites corresponding to the fifth information and the SFGF network element, the SFGF network element may send the UE's downlink data to the SFSF network element on the one or more satellites. For example, the satellites corresponding to the fifth information include satellite #1, satellite #2, and satellite #3. If satellite #2 has a feeder link with the SFGF network element, the SFGF network element may send the UE's downlink data to the SFSF network element on satellite #2. If both satellite #2 and satellite #3 have feeder links with the SFGF network element, the SFGF network element may send the UE's downlink data to the SFSF network element on satellite #2 and / or satellite #3.

[0164] This step 504 is the same as step 402b in the embodiment of FIG. 4( b ), and reference may be made to the aforementioned description.

[0165] Phase 2 (involving the following steps 505 to 508): There is a service link between the satellite and the UE, and there is no feeder link between the satellite and the SFGF network element.

[0166] Step 505: The UE registers with the core network on the satellite.

[0167] The UE determines, based on the previously received fourth information, the visible time (i.e., the time covered by the satellite signal) of the at least one satellite indicated by the fourth information, and monitors the signal of the at least one satellite. For example, after the UE monitors a paging call from a base station on a satellite (hereinafter, satellite #x is used as an example), it registers with the core network of the satellite.

[0168] Exemplarily, step 505 may also be replaced by: the UE attaches to the core network on the satellite.

[0169] Step 506: The AMF network element sends a notification message to the SFSF network element. Correspondingly, the SFSF network element receives the notification message.

[0170] The AMF network element is the AMF network element on satellite #x.

[0171] The notification information is used to indicate that the UE has completed the attachment, and the notification information carries the identifier of the UE.

[0172] Step 507: The SFSF network element sends the UE's downlink data to the UE based on the notification information. Correspondingly, the UE receives the UE's downlink data.

[0173] The SFSF network element is the SFSF network element on satellite #x.

[0174] Exemplarily, the SFSF network element sends the UE's downlink data to the UE through the NEF network element, the AMF network element and the base station.

[0175] Step 508: The UE completes deregistration.

[0176] After the UE receives downlink data or when the UE's serving satellite (i.e., satellite #x) is about to disconnect from the UE, the UE or the network side initiates a deregistration process to deregister the UE from satellite #x.

[0177] The deregistration process may also be replaced by a deattachment process.

[0178] Based on the above solution, the ground SFGF network element can obtain the data transmission timing of the UE's downlink data based on the fifth information, allowing the downlink data to be accurately sent to the designated satellite, reducing packet loss and helping to improve communication quality. In addition, the UE can monitor the satellite signal based on the fourth information, eliminating the need to monitor the satellite signal continuously, which can reduce the UE's energy consumption.

[0179] FIG6 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, a base station, an AMF network element, and a SFSF network element are deployed on a satellite. The functions of the base station can also be implemented by an endpoint proxy device. The method includes the following steps:

[0180] Step 601: The SFSF network element sends fourth information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth information.

[0181] The meaning of the fourth information can be referred to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 4(a) above, and will not be repeated here.

[0182] As an implementation method, the SFSF network element can send the fourth information to the AMF network element, the AMF network element sends the fourth information to the base station, and when there is a service link between the base station and the UE, the base station sends the fourth information to the UE.

[0183] The SFSF network element may determine the fourth information based on the second information and / or the third information, or may determine the fourth information based on the second information and / or the third information, and at least one of the ephemeris information, the storage and forwarding mode information, the location information of the gateway, the location information of the UE, or the location information of the terrestrial network element used for storage and forwarding. The location information of the UE may be subscribed by the SFSF network element to the AMF network element.

[0184] Step 602: The SFSF network element sends the fifth information to the SFGF network element. Correspondingly, the SFGF network element receives the fifth information.

[0185] The meaning of the fifth information can be referred to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 4(a) or Figure 4(b) above, and will not be repeated here.

[0186] As an implementation method, when there is a feeder link between the SFSF network element and the ground SFGF network element, the SFSF network element sends the fifth information to the SFGF network element.

[0187] The SFSF network element may determine the fifth information based on the second information and / or the third information, or may determine the fifth information based on the second information and / or the third information, and at least one of the ephemeris information, the storage and forwarding mode information, the location information of the gateway, the location information of the UE, or the location information of the terrestrial network element used for storage and forwarding. The location information and the storage and forwarding mode information of the UE may be subscribed by the SFSF network element to the AMF network element. In other words, the location information and the storage and forwarding mode information of the UE may be provided to the SFSF by the AMF network element through the capability exposure function.

[0188] Steps 603 to 608 are the same as steps 503 to 508 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 .

[0189] Based on the above solution, the ground SFGF network element can obtain the data transmission timing of the UE's downlink data based on the fifth information, allowing the downlink data to be accurately sent to the designated satellite, reducing packet loss and helping to improve communication quality. In addition, the UE can monitor the satellite signal based on the fourth information, eliminating the need to monitor the satellite signal continuously, which can reduce the UE's energy consumption.

[0190] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, a base station, an AMF network element, and a SFSF network element are deployed on a satellite. In this embodiment, the functions of the base station can also be replaced by an endpoint proxy device. The method includes the following steps:

[0191] Step 701: The SFGF network element sends fourth information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth information.

[0192] The meaning of the fourth information can be referred to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 4(a) above, and will not be repeated here.

[0193] As an implementation method, when there is a feeder link between the SFGF network element and the SFSF network element, the SFGF network element sends the fourth information to the SFSF network element, and then the SFSF network element sends the fourth information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the fourth information to the base station. When there is a service link between the base station and the UE, the base station sends the fourth information to the UE.

[0194] The SFGF network element may determine the fourth information based on the second information and / or the third information, or may determine the fourth information based on the second information and / or the third information, and at least one of ephemeris information, store-and-forward mode information, gateway location information, UE location information, or location information of a terrestrial network element used for store-and-forward. The UE location information may be subscribed by the SFGF network element to the AMF network element via the SFSF network element.

[0195] Step 702: The SFGF network element determines the fifth information.

[0196] The meaning of the fifth information can be referred to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 4(a) or Figure 4(b) above, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] The SFGF network element may determine the fifth information based on the second information and / or the third information, or may determine the fifth information based on the second information and / or the third information, and at least one of the ephemeris information, the storage and forwarding mode information, the location information of the gateway, the location information of the UE, or the location information of the terrestrial network element used for storage and forwarding. The location information of the UE may be subscribed by the SFGF network element to the AMF network element through the SFSF network element. In other words, the location information and the storage and forwarding mode information of the UE may be provided to the SFGF by the AMF network element through the capability exposure function.

[0198] Steps 703 to 708 are the same as steps 503 to 508 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 .

[0199] Based on the above solution, the ground SFGF network element can obtain the data transmission timing of the UE's downlink data based on the fifth information, allowing the downlink data to be accurately sent to the designated satellite, reducing packet loss and helping to improve communication quality. In addition, the UE can monitor the satellite signal based on the fourth information, eliminating the need to monitor the satellite signal continuously, which can reduce the UE's energy consumption.

[0200] It is understood that, to implement the functions in the above-described embodiments, the first network element or the store-and-forward ground function network element includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that, in conjunction with the various exemplary units and method steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a hardware-driven manner by computer software depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0201] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first network element or the store-and-forward ground function network element in the above-described method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above-described method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be the first network element or the store-and-forward ground function network element, or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the first network element or the store-and-forward ground function network element.

[0202] The communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 includes a processing unit 810 and a transceiver unit 820. The communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the first network element or the store-and-forward ground function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0203] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first network element in the above method embodiment, the processing unit 810 is used to obtain first information, where the first information includes second information and / or third information; and the control transceiver unit 820 sends fourth information to the terminal device based on the first information, where the fourth information is used by the terminal device to monitor satellite signals; wherein the second information is used to indicate the communication behavior of the terminal device; the third information includes a first satellite list or first satellite coverage time information, where the first satellite list includes an identifier of at least one satellite, the first satellite list is used to indicate the satellite that forwards data to the terminal device, and the first satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range when the terminal device is covered by satellite signals; and the fourth information includes a second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information, where the second satellite list includes an identifier of one or more satellites, the second satellite list is used to indicate the satellite that forwards data to the terminal device, and the second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range when the terminal device is covered by satellite signals.

[0204] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send fourth information to the terminal device based on the first information, specifically including: controlling the transceiver unit 820 to send the fourth information to the terminal device based on the first information, as well as ephemeris information, storage and forwarding mode information, location information of the gateway, location information of the terminal device, or location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

[0205] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is a storage and forwarding satellite function network element; the processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send the fourth information to the terminal device, specifically including: controlling the transceiver unit 820 to send the fourth information to the terminal device through the network open network element and the mobility management network element.

[0206] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is a storage and forwarding ground function network element; the processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send the fourth information to the terminal device, specifically including: controlling the transceiver unit 820 to send the fourth information to the terminal device through the storage and forwarding satellite function network element and the network open network element.

[0207] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is also used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send fifth information to the storage and forwarding ground function network element based on the first information, and the fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information. The third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the storage and forwarding ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

[0208] In one possible implementation method, the first network element is a storage and forwarding ground function network element; the processing unit 810 is also used to control the transceiver unit 820 to receive the first downlink data of the terminal device from the application function network element; and send the first downlink data to one or more satellites corresponding to the fifth information; wherein the fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the storage and forwarding ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

[0209] In one possible implementation method, the second information includes at least one of the following: the maximum transmission delay that the terminal device can tolerate when receiving downlink data, the movement trajectory of the terminal device, the power consumption information of the terminal device, or the time preference of the terminal device for transmitting data.

[0210] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the store-and-forward ground function network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment, the processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to receive the first downlink data of the terminal device from the application function network element; and send the first downlink data to the terminal device through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information; wherein the fifth information includes a second satellite list or third satellite coverage time information, the second satellite list includes the identifiers of one or more satellites, the second satellite list is used to indicate the satellite that forwards data for the terminal device, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the store-and-forward ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

[0211] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send the first downlink data to the terminal device through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information, specifically including: controlling the transceiver unit 820 to send the first downlink data to the terminal device through the storage and forwarding satellite function network element on one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information.

[0212] In a possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 820 to receive the fifth information from the application function network element, the mobility management network element, or the first satellite.

[0213] In a possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is further used to determine the fifth information based on the first information, where the first information includes the second information and / or the third information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the communication behavior of the terminal device; the third information includes a first satellite list or first satellite coverage time information, the first satellite list includes an identifier of at least one satellite, the first satellite list is used to indicate the satellite that forwards data for the terminal device, and the first satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the terminal device is covered by the satellite signal.

[0214] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is used to determine the fifth information based on the first information, specifically including: determining the fifth information based on the first information, and at least one of the location information of the terminal device, storage and forwarding mode information, ephemeris information, location information of the gateway station, or location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

[0215] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is also used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send fourth information to the terminal device based on the first information; wherein the fourth information is used by the terminal device to monitor satellite signals, and the fourth information includes the second satellite list or the second satellite coverage time information, and the second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the terminal device is covered by satellite signals.

[0216] In a possible implementation method, the processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send the fourth information to the terminal device, specifically including: controlling the transceiver unit 820 to send the fourth information to the terminal device through a network open network element.

[0217] In one possible implementation method, the second information includes at least one of the following: the maximum transmission delay that the terminal device can tolerate when receiving downlink data, the movement trajectory of the terminal device, the power consumption information of the terminal device, or the time preference of the terminal device for transmitting data.

[0218] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820, reference can be made to the relevant description in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0219] The communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions.

[0220] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the above method embodiment, the processor 910 is used to implement the functions of the above processing unit 810 , and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the functions of the above transceiver unit 820 .

[0221] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0222] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disk, mobile hard disk, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in the first network element or the store-and-forward ground function network element. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the access network device or the terminal device.

[0223] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. A computer program refers to a set of instructions that instruct an electronic computer or other device with message processing capabilities to perform each step of the action, usually written in a certain programming language and running on a certain target architecture. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program or instruction can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and non-volatile types of storage media.

[0224] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0225] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next related objects are in an "or" relationship; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates that the previous and next related objects are in a "division" relationship.

[0226] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first network element or a module of the first network element, the method includes: Acquiring first information, where the first information includes second information and / or third information; sending fourth information to a terminal device according to the first information, where the fourth information is used by the terminal device to monitor satellite signals; The second information is used to indicate the communication behavior of the terminal device; The third information includes a first satellite list or first satellite coverage time information, where the first satellite list includes an identifier of at least one satellite, the first satellite list is used to indicate satellites that forward data for the terminal device, and the first satellite coverage time information is used to indicate a time range in which the terminal device is covered by satellite signals; The fourth information includes a second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information, the second satellite list includes identifiers of one or more satellites, the second satellite list is used to indicate the satellites that forward data for the terminal device, and the second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the terminal device is covered by satellite signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending fourth information to the terminal device according to the first information includes: The fourth information is sent to the terminal device based on the first information, and at least one of the ephemeris information, storage and forwarding mode information, the location information of the terminal device, the location information of the gateway station or the location information of the ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first network element is a store-and-forward satellite function network element; The sending the fourth information to the terminal device includes: The fourth information is sent to the terminal device through the network open network element and the mobility management network element.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first network element is a store-and-forward ground function network element; The sending the fourth information to the terminal device includes: The fourth information is sent to the terminal device through the storage and forwarding satellite function network element and the network open network element.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: According to the first information, fifth information is sent to the storage and forwarding ground function network element, and the fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the storage and forwarding ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

6. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein: The first network element is a store-and-forward ground function network element; The method further comprises: Receiving first downlink data of the terminal device from the application function network element; Sending the first downlink data to one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information; The fifth information includes the second satellite list or the third satellite coverage time information, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the storage and forwarding ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: the maximum transmission delay that the terminal device can tolerate when receiving downlink data, the movement trajectory of the terminal device, the power consumption information of the terminal device, or the time preference of the terminal device for transmitting data.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: The method applied to a store-and-forward ground function network element or a module of a store-and-forward ground function network element includes: Receiving first downlink data from a terminal device of an application function network element; Sending the first downlink data to the terminal device through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information; The fifth information includes a second satellite list or third satellite coverage time information, the second satellite list includes the identifiers of one or more satellites, the second satellite list is used to indicate the satellite that forwards data for the terminal device, and the third satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the storage and forwarding ground function network element is covered by satellite signals.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The sending the first downlink data to the terminal device through one or more satellites among the satellites corresponding to the fifth information includes: The first downlink data is sent to the terminal device through the storage and forwarding satellite function network element on one or more satellites corresponding to the fifth information.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fifth information is received from the application function network element, the mobility management network element or the first satellite.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining the fifth information according to the first information, where the first information includes the second information and / or the third information; The second information is used to indicate the communication behavior of the terminal device; The third information includes a first satellite list or first satellite coverage time information, where the first satellite list includes an identifier of at least one satellite, the first satellite list is used to indicate the satellite that forwards data for the terminal device, and the first satellite coverage time information is used to indicate a time range in which the terminal device is covered by a satellite signal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The determining the fifth information according to the first information includes: The fifth information is determined based on the first information and at least one of the location information of the terminal device, ephemeris information, storage and forwarding mode information, location information of a gateway, or location information of a ground network element used for storage and forwarding.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The method further comprises: Sending fourth information to the terminal device according to the first information; The fourth information is used by the terminal device to monitor satellite signals, and the fourth information includes the second satellite list or second satellite coverage time information, and the second satellite coverage time information is used to indicate the time range in which the terminal device is covered by satellite signals.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The sending fourth information to the terminal device includes: The fourth information is sent to the terminal device through the network open network element.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: the maximum transmission delay that the terminal device can tolerate when receiving downlink data, the movement trajectory of the terminal device, the power consumption information of the terminal device, or the time preference of the terminal device for transmitting data.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or executing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a processor, the processor is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method described in any one of claims 8 to 15 is implemented.

20. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes an application function network element, and a store-and-forward ground function network element for executing the method described in any one of claims 8 to 15; the application function network element is used to send the first downlink data of the terminal device to the store-and-forward ground function network element.

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