Communication methods, communication device and storage medium

Abstract

Communication methods, a communication device and a storage medium. A method is executed by a first network device, the first network device being deployed on a first satellite, and the method comprises: executing a first switching process, the first switching process being used for switching a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite. The present disclosure can reduce signal storms and service interruptions of terrestrial core networks, and can also effectively reduce the delay of signaling processes and forwarding overheads, and improve the system performance.

Description

A communication method, communication device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, terrestrial networks can be integrated with low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations to increase network coverage. However, when users access the network quickly via LEO satellite constellations, the integrated terrestrial satellite core network will experience signal storms and service interruptions.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure proposes a communication method, a communication device, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a first network device deployed on a first satellite. The method includes: executing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite.

[0006] In the above method, the first network device can perform the switching of communication connections. Since the first network device is deployed on the first satellite, the delay and forwarding overhead of the signaling process can be reduced, and service interruption can be reduced.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a second network device, the method comprising: performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and the second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite.

[0008] In the above method, the second network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling delay and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a third network device, the method comprising: performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on a second satellite.

[0010] In the above method, the third network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling delay and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a fourth network device deployed on a second satellite. The method includes: performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on the second satellite.

[0012] In the above method, the fourth network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling delay and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a fifth network device deployed on a second satellite. The method includes: performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on the second satellite.

[0014] In the above method, the fifth network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling delay and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, which is deployed on a first satellite and includes a processing module for performing a first handover process. The first handover process is used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device. The second network device and the third network device are deployed on a second satellite.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, comprising: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on a second satellite.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a third network device is provided, comprising: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on a second satellite.

[0018] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth network device is provided, which is deployed on a second satellite and includes: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

[0019] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a fifth network device is provided, which is deployed on a second satellite and includes: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch a communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the one or more processors are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, and a fourth network device. The first network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects of the present disclosure, the second network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects of the present disclosure, the third network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the third aspects of the present disclosure, and the fourth network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the fourth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first network device for performing the method as described in any one of the first aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including at least one of a second network device, a third network device, a fourth network device, and a fifth network device, wherein the second network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the second aspects of the present disclosure, the third network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the third aspects of the present disclosure, the fourth network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the fourth aspects of the present disclosure, and the fifth network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the fifth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first network device deployed on a first satellite, the first network device being used for at least one of storing unstructured data, data retrieval, data creation, data updating, and data deletion; a second network device, a third network device, a fourth network device, and a fifth network device deployed on a second satellite, the second and third network devices being access network devices, and the fourth and fifth network devices being core network devices for access and mobility management. Attached Figure Description

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

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of some communication systems provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figures 3a-3c are schematic flowcharts of some communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0030] Figures 4a-4c are schematic flowcharts of some other communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figures 5a and 5b are schematic flowcharts of some other communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0032] Figures 6a-6c are schematic flowcharts of some other communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0033] Figures 7a and 7b are schematic flowcharts of some communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating some communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a terminal to switch between different AMFs according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 10a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10c is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10d is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10e is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 11b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0044] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a first network device deployed on a first satellite. The method includes: executing a first handover process, wherein the first handover process is used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on a second satellite.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the first network device can perform communication connection switching. Since the first network device is deployed on the first satellite, the delay and forwarding overhead of the signaling process can be reduced, and service interruption can be reduced.

[0046] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information sent by a fourth network device, wherein the second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the fourth network device is deployed on a second satellite, and the first information is context-dependent on the terminal; and storing the first information.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the first network device can receive the first information sent by the fourth network device and store the first information.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, performing the first handover process includes: receiving a first message sent by a fifth network device under a first condition, wherein the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, the first message is used to request first information, and the fifth network device is deployed on the second satellite; and sending the first information to the fifth network device.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the first network device can receive a first message sent by the fifth network device and send first information to the fifth network device based on the request of the first message.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first condition is: the fifth network device determines that the first information does not exist in the fifth network device.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the first network device can receive a first message sent by the fifth network device under a first condition.

[0052] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second message sent by a fourth network device, the second message being used to request updating first information stored in the first network device; and updating the first information in response to the second message.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the first network device can update the first information based on the second message.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending the updated first information to a fifth network device.

[0055] In the above embodiments, after the first network device updates the first information, it can send the updated first information to the fifth network device.

[0056] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a second network device. The method includes: executing a first handover process, wherein the first handover process is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on a second satellite.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the second network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling process latency and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving first information sent by a terminal, the first information being context-dependent on the terminal; sending the first information to a fourth network device, the second network device being managed by the fourth network device, the fourth network device being deployed on the second satellite.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the second network device can receive the first information sent by the terminal and send the first information to the fourth network device.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, performing the first handover process includes: sending a third message to a fourth network device, the third message being used to request a communication connection between the handover terminal and the second network device; receiving a fourth message sent by the fourth network device; and sending a fifth message to the terminal, the fourth message and / or the fifth message being a handover feedback message.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the second network device may perform the first handover process.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a sixth message sent by the terminal, the sixth message being used to request the second network device to modify the terminal's session information; sending a seventh message to the fourth network device, the seventh message being used to request the fourth network device to modify the terminal's session information; and receiving an eighth message sent by the fourth network device, the eighth message being a modification feedback message.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the second network device may request the fourth network device to modify the terminal's session information.

[0064] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a third network device, the method comprising: executing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on a second satellite.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the third network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling process latency and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, performing the first handover process includes: receiving a ninth message sent by a fifth network device, the ninth message being a handover preparation message, the third network device being managed by the fifth network device; and receiving a tenth message sent by the fifth network device, the tenth message being a handover feedback message.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the third network device may perform the first handover process.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, performing the first handover process includes: receiving an eleventh message sent by a fourth network device, the eleventh message being a handover preparation message, wherein the second network device and the third network device are managed by the fourth network device; and receiving a twelfth message sent by the fourth network device, the twelfth message being a handover feedback message.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the third network device may perform the first handover process.

[0070] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a fourth network device deployed on a second satellite. The method includes: executing a first handover process, which switches the communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the fourth network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling delay and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0072] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information sent by a second network device, the second network device being managed by a fourth network device, the first information being context-dependent on the terminal; and sending the first information to a first network device.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the fourth network device can receive the first information sent by the second network device and send the first information to the first network device.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, performing the first handover process includes: receiving a third message sent by a second network device, the third message being used to request a communication connection between the handover terminal and the second network device; sending a thirteenth message to a fifth network device, the thirteenth message being a handover preparation message; and sending a fourth message to the second network device, the fourth message being a handover feedback message.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the fourth network device may perform the first handover process.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, performing the first handover process includes: receiving a third message sent by a second network device, the third message being used to request a communication connection between the handover terminal and the second network device; sending an eleventh message to a third network device, the eleventh message being a handover preparation message; determining that first information exists in the fourth network device; processing the third message; and sending a twelfth message to the third network device, the twelfth message being a handover feedback message.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the fourth network device may perform the first handover process.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a seventh message sent by a second network device, the seventh message being used to request the fourth network device to modify the session information of the terminal; in response to the seventh message, modifying the session information of the terminal, the session information including first information; sending an eighth message to the second network device, the eighth message being a modification feedback message; and sending a second message to the first network device, the second message being used to request the update of the first information stored in the first network device.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the fourth network device can modify the terminal's session information.

[0080] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a fifth network device deployed on a second satellite. The method includes: executing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between a terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on the second satellite.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the fifth network device can perform communication connection switching, which can reduce signaling process latency and forwarding overhead, and reduce service interruption.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, performing the first handover process includes: receiving a thirteenth message sent by a fourth network device, the thirteenth message being a handover preparation message; sending a ninth message to a third network device, the ninth message being a handover preparation message; determining that there is no first information in the fifth network device, the first information being context-dependent on the terminal; sending a first message to a first network device, the third network device being managed by the fifth network device, the first message being used to request the acquisition of the first information; receiving the first information sent by the first network device; processing the handover request; and sending a tenth message to the third network device, the tenth message being a handover feedback message.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the fifth network device may perform the first handover process.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving updated first information sent by the first network device.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the fifth network device can receive the updated first information.

[0086] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network device deployed on a first satellite, including a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second network device, comprising: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and the second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite.

[0088] Eighthly, this disclosure provides a third network device, including: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and a second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite.

[0089] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fourth network device deployed on a second satellite, comprising: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and the second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on the second satellite.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a fifth network device, which is deployed on a second satellite and includes: a processing module for performing a first handover process, the first handover process being used to switch the communication connection between a terminal and the second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

[0091] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which includes: one or more processors; wherein the one or more processors are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0092] In a twelfth aspect, the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0093] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, and a fourth network device; wherein the first network device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, the second network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations, the third network device is configured to perform the method described in the third aspect and its optional implementations, and the fourth network device is configured to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and its optional implementations.

[0094] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a first network device for performing the method as described in any of the first aspects of this disclosure.

[0095] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising at least one of a second network device, a third network device, a fourth network device, and a fifth network device, wherein the second network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the second aspects of this disclosure, the third network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the third aspects of this disclosure, the fourth network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the fourth aspects of this disclosure, and the fifth network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of the fifth aspects of this disclosure.

[0096] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a first network device deployed on a first satellite, the first network device being used for at least one of storing unstructured data, data retrieval, data creation, data updating, and data deletion; a second network device, a third network device, a fourth network device, and a fifth network device deployed on a second satellite, the second and third network devices being access network devices, and the fourth and fifth network devices being core network devices for access and mobility management.

[0097] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0098] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method," "communication method," etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms "terminal," "network device," and "communication apparatus," etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0099] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0100] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0101] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0102] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0103] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0105] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0106] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0107] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0108] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0109] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0111] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0112] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0115] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0116] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0120] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0122] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0123] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “get,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, processing and obtaining on their own, or autonomously implementing, among other meanings.

[0124] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0125] In some embodiments, "pre-defined" or "pre-set" can be interpreted as pre-specified in an agreement or the like, or as a device or the like performing a pre-set action.

[0126] In some embodiments, determining can be interpreted as judging, deciding, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching, looking up, searching, querying, ascertaining, receiving, transmitting, inputting, outputting, accessing, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, assuming, expecting, considering, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, assigning, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0127] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0128] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0129] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0130] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0131] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained after obtaining the user's consent. To address the above-mentioned problems, this disclosure proposes a communication method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0132] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a first network device 101, a second network device 102, a third network device 103, a fourth network device 104, and a fifth network device 105.

[0133] For example, the communication system described above may also include a sixth network device deployed on the first satellite. The sixth network device is used for network function management, such as a Network Repository Function (NRF).

[0134] For example, the communication system described above may also include a seventh network device, which is deployed on the first satellite. The seventh network device is used for at least one of satellite control, satellite management, satellite data acquisition, network function management, and user management. For example, the seventh network device may be a Satellite Network Controller and Management Function (SNCMF).

[0135] For example, the communication system described above may also include an eighth network device, which is deployed on the ground. For example, the eighth network device may be a terrestrial core network (TCN).

[0136] In the above embodiments, the first network device may be an Unstructured Data Storage network function (UDSF) network element; the second and third network devices may be satellite base stations (S-gNB); and the fourth and fifth network devices may be Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network elements.

[0137] For example, the communication system described above may also include a terminal, which can establish a connection with network devices in the communication system to conduct communication.

[0138] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0139] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0140] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0141] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0142] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0143] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned one or more network elements may include, for example, AMF, UPF, MME, etc., and may also include other network elements, such as Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Network Application Function (NAF), Authentication and Key Management for Applications Anchor Function (AAnF), Bootstrapping Server Functionality (BSF), Session Management Function (SMF), etc.

[0144] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0145] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0146] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0147] Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) can achieve NR communication via satellite or drone platforms. In areas where terrestrial network equipment is not widely available, NTN coverage can further improve coverage. For example, in extreme areas such as deserts and oceans, NTN can be used to achieve network coverage. NTN does not consider high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite systems; it only targets low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) scenarios.

[0148] The integration of terrestrial cellular networks with LEO satellite constellations is a growing trend known as the Satellite-Ground Integrated Core Network (STICN). The core network (CN) is an important component responsible for functions such as authentication, security, mobility, and data routing.

[0149] In related technologies, the NTN network architecture can be simply regarded as the satellite in the sky as the function of a base station. The service link between the UE and the satellite is realized through NR, the feeder link between the satellite and the gateway is realized through the 3GPP / non-3GPP radio interface, and the gateway is connected to the data network.

[0150] Specifically, NTN has two typical architectures: transparent mode, where the satellite simply forwards the signal without processing it; and regenerative mode, where the satellite processes the data like a gNB. R17 emphasizes transparent payload, where the satellite acts as a radio frequency repeater, the gNB is located on the ground as part of the gateway, and Uu is the interface and service connection used between the two feeders.

[0151] However, the terrestrial network in the relevant technology is a fixed infrastructure designed for mobile user scenarios. When users access the network quickly via Earth orbit satellite constellations, the terrestrial satellite integrated core network will experience signal storms and service interruptions.

[0152] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure proposes a communication method that can adapt to the dynamic changes and limited resources of low-Earth orbit satellites. It works in conjunction with the ground-based core network (CN) to provide users with seamless service integration.

[0153] The specific details of this method are shown below.

[0154] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100. The communication system 100 may include a first network device 101, a second network device 102, a third network device 103, a fourth network device 104, and a fifth network device 105. The method includes:

[0155] Step 2101: The terminal sends the first information to the second network device.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive first information sent by the terminal, wherein the first information is related to the context of the terminal, for example, the first information may be the context information of the terminal.

[0157] In some embodiments, the idea that the second network device is managed by the fourth network device can be interchanged with the following descriptions: the second network device belongs to the fourth network device, the second network device corresponds to the fourth network device, the fourth network device can manage the second network device, the second network device and the fourth network device can communicate with each other, and the fourth network device can cover the second network device.

[0158] In some embodiments, the fourth network device is deployed on the second satellite. In some embodiments, for example, some core network functions may be deployed on the satellite. For instance, when the fourth network device is an AMF (Access Mobility Management Function), and the fourth network device is deployed on the second satellite, the second satellite may have access mobility management functions deployed on it. The second satellite may be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

[0159] In some embodiments, in addition to the aforementioned low Earth orbit satellites, the communication system may also deploy geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites. GEO satellites are high-orbit satellites and can manage low Earth orbit satellites. For example, core network functions can also be deployed on GEO satellites, and multiple core network functions can be deployed on a single GEO satellite.

[0160] In some embodiments, for example, the capabilities that can be deployed on a satellite may also include:

[0161] Network Repository Function (NRF): This function is responsible for the registration, management and status detection of Network Functions (NFs), and realizes automatic management of NFs. The NRF on GEO can cooperate with the NRF on the ground through the link.

[0162] In other words, the NRF on GEO can work in conjunction with the terrestrial NRF to manage network functions. For example, the NRF on GEO and the terrestrial NRF can also work independently, each managing its own network functions.

[0163] Unstructured Data Storage network function (UDSF): Defined by 3GPP, this function stores unstructured data, such as user and NFs context. In the 5G core network (5Generation Core, 5GC), it manages the retrieval, creation, updating, and deletion of contexts in the database. UDSF is not synchronized with terrestrial UDSFs because the contexts in the UDSF stored on GEO are only shared between different nodes within the low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. UDSF is deployed in GEO because GEO is relatively stationary, and each GEO can cover more than one-third of the Earth, including areas with the most active user activity. UDSF deployment also helps reduce the likelihood of service interruptions due to context switching.

[0164] In other words, USDF on satellites and USDF on the ground can operate independently and store data separately.

[0165] Satellite Network Control and Management Function (SNCMF): This is a new monitoring function that provides information on the network topology of the LEO satellite constellation, resource utilization, inter-satellite link (ISL) congestion levels, and the number of users serving the LEO satellite constellation. Furthermore, SNCMF has the ability to calculate the optimal number of Network Functions (NFs) and the location of each NF, as well as the ability to deploy and destroy NFs. Like a controller component, it acts as a network function manager in open network automation platforms and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Additionally, SNCMF facilitates the exchange of information between NFs, such as NF load levels.

[0166] Satellite base station (satellite-gNB, S-gNB) functions: It can provide wireless coverage for ground users and perform satellite signaling processing.

[0167] In some embodiments, for example, the second network device may be a satellite base station S-gNB, which may be referred to as S-gNB1. That is, the terminal can establish a connection with S-gNB1 to communicate, and the terminal can report its own context information to S-gNB1.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terrestrial core network (TCN) may have an interface for communicating with satellite-deployed functions, including telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) capabilities that monitor the satellite's status. For example, these components are connected together via ground links.

[0169] Step 2102: The second network device sends the first information to the fourth network device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second network device may send the received first information to the fourth network device to report the first information.

[0171] Step 2103: The fourth network device sends the first information to the first network device.

[0172] In some embodiments, a first network device may receive first information sent by a fourth network device, a second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the fourth network device is deployed on a second satellite, and the first information is context-dependent on the terminal.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first network device may be a USDF network element, and the fourth network device may transmit the first information to the first network device for reporting and storage.

[0174] Step 2104: The first network device stores the first information.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first network device may be used to store data, and the first network device may store first information.

[0176] Step 2105: The second network device sends a third message to the fourth network device.

[0177] In some embodiments, the third message is used to request a communication connection between the switching terminal and the second network device; that is, the third message may be a switching request.

[0178] In other words, the second network device can initiate a handover request to disconnect the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device. Optionally, the terminal can also initiate a handover request, i.e., a conditional handover. In this case, the terminal can send a handover request to the second network device, and the second network device can send a third message to the fourth network device to request a switch of the communication connection.

[0179] Step 2106: The fourth network device sends the thirteenth message to the fifth network device.

[0180] In some embodiments, the fifth network device can be the same as the fourth network device, both being AMF network elements. The third network device is the same as the second network device, being a satellite base station S-gNB. The second network device can be represented as S-gNB2. The third network device is managed by the fifth network device, that is, the fifth network device can manage the third network device.

[0181] In some embodiments, the management of a third network device by a fifth network device can be interchanged with the following descriptions: the third network device belongs to the fifth network device, the third network device corresponds to the fifth network device, the fifth network device can manage the third network device, the third network device and the fifth network device can communicate with each other, and the fifth network device can cover the third network device.

[0182] In other words, the second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, the terminal can establish a communication connection with the second network device, and can switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to a communication connection between the terminal and the third network device.

[0183] That is, the second network device can be the S-gNB currently connected to the terminal, and the third network device can be the S-gNB that the terminal needs to switch to.

[0184] In other words, the second and third network devices are managed by different AMFs. When the terminal's communication connection needs to be switched to the S-gNB under a different AMF, communication between AMFs is required to notify the AMF to which the S-gNB to which the connection needs to be established belongs, and then the communication connection is switched.

[0185] In some embodiments, the thirteenth message can be a handover preparation message. The thirteenth message can be used to notify the fifth network device that it needs to switch the communication connection to the terminal and the third network device, that is, it needs to establish a communication connection between the terminal and the third network device. The fifth device can perform handover preparation based on the thirteenth message.

[0186] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When both the S-gNB2, which the terminal needs to establish a communication connection with, and the currently connected S-gNB1 are managed by the fourth network device, communication between the fourth network device and the fifth network device is not required.

[0187] Step 2107: The fifth network device sends the ninth message to the third network device.

[0188] In some embodiments, the ninth message is a handover preparation message, in which the fifth network device may send a handover preparation message to the third network device to notify the third network device to prepare for handover.

[0189] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When both the S-gNB2 that the terminal needs to establish a communication connection with and the currently connected S-gNB1 are managed by the fourth network device, it is not necessary for the fifth network device to notify the terminal of the S-gNB2 that needs to be connected.

[0190] Step 2108: The fourth network device sends the eleventh message to the third network device.

[0191] In some embodiments, the eleventh message is a handover preparation message, and the second and third network devices are managed by the fourth network device.

[0192] In other words, when both the S-gNB2 that the terminal needs to establish a communication connection with and the currently connected S-gNB1 are managed by the fourth network device, the fifth network device does not need to notify the terminal of the S-gNB2 that it needs to connect to, nor does the fourth and fifth network devices need to communicate with each other. In this case, after the fourth network device receives the handover request from the second network device, it can directly notify the third network device to prepare for the handover.

[0193] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the second network device and the third network device are not both managed by the fourth network device, the fifth network device may send a handover preparation message to the third network device.

[0194] Step 2109: The fifth network device determines that the first information does not exist in the fifth network device.

[0195] In some embodiments, when the second network device is managed by the fourth network device and the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, and the terminal needs to switch the communication connection with the second network device to the communication connection with the third network device, the fifth network device can confirm whether the fifth network device has stored the first information, namely the terminal's context information.

[0196] In some embodiments, since the terminal has not connected to the S-gNB in ​​the fifth network device, the fifth network device may not have the terminal's context information. In the absence of the first information, the terminal cannot establish a connection with the third network device.

[0197] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When both the second and third network devices are managed by the fourth network device, the fifth network device does not need to determine that the first information does not exist in the fifth network device.

[0198] Step 2110: The fourth network device determines that the first information exists in the fourth network device.

[0199] In some embodiments, when both the second network device and the third network device are managed by the fourth network device, the fourth network device can determine whether the fourth network device stores first information, namely the context information of the terminal.

[0200] In some embodiments, for example, since the terminal has established a communication connection with the second network device, the fourth network device should contain the first information.

[0201] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the second network device is managed by the fourth network device and the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, the fourth network device does not need to determine whether the first information exists in the fourth network device.

[0202] Step 2111: The fifth network device sends the first message to the first network device.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive a first message sent by the fifth network device under a first condition, where the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, and the first message is used to request the acquisition of first information. The fifth network device is deployed on the second satellite.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first condition is: the fifth network device determines that the first information does not exist in the fifth network device.

[0205] In other words, when the second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, and the fifth network device does not have the first information, the fifth network device can send a first message to the first network device to request the first information, that is, the fifth network device can obtain the first information from the first network device.

[0206] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When both the second and third network devices are managed by the fourth network device, the fifth network device does not need to send the first message to the first network device.

[0207] Step 2112: The first network device sends the first information to the fifth network device.

[0208] In some embodiments, in response to a first message, a first network device may send first information to a fifth network device.

[0209] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the fifth network device does not send the first message to the first network device, the first network device does not need to send the first message to the fifth network device.

[0210] Step 2113: The fourth network device processes the third message.

[0211] In some embodiments, when both the second network device and the third network device are managed by the fourth network device, and the fourth network device contains the first information, the fourth network device can process the third message, that is, the fourth network device can process the handover request.

[0212] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the second network device is managed by the fourth network device and the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, the fourth network device does not need to process the third message.

[0213] Step 2114: The fifth network device processes the handover request.

[0214] In some embodiments, when the second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, and the fifth network device has obtained the first information, the fifth network device can process the handover request.

[0215] In some embodiments, this step is optional, and when both the second and third network devices are managed by the fourth network device, the fifth network device does not need to process the handover request.

[0216] Step 2115: The fifth network device sends the tenth message to the third network device.

[0217] In some embodiments, the tenth message is a switching feedback message.

[0218] In other words, when the second network device is managed by the fourth network device and the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, after the fifth network device processes the handover request, it can send a tenth message to the third network device to provide handover feedback. For example, it can notify the third network device that the handover is complete and can proceed after processing.

[0219] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When both the second and third network devices are managed by the fourth network device, the fifth network device does not need to send the tenth message to the third network device.

[0220] Step 2116: The fourth network device sends the twelfth message to the third network device.

[0221] In some embodiments, the twelfth message is a switching feedback message.

[0222] In other words, when both the second and third network devices are managed by the fourth network device, after the fourth network device processes the handover request, it can send a twelfth message to the third network device to provide handover feedback. For example, it can notify the third network device that the handover is complete and can proceed after processing.

[0223] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the second network device is managed by the fourth network device and the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, the fourth network device does not need to send the twelfth message to the third network device.

[0224] Step 2117: The fourth network device sends a fourth message to the second network device.

[0225] In some embodiments, the fourth message is a switching feedback message.

[0226] In other words, after the fourth or fifth network device has processed the handover request, the fourth network device can send handover feedback to the second network device, for example, it can notify the second network device that the processing is complete and the handover can proceed.

[0227] Step 2118: The second network device sends the fifth message to the terminal.

[0228] In some embodiments, the fifth message is a switching feedback message.

[0229] In other words, after receiving the handover feedback message, the second network device can notify the terminal to perform a first handover. For example, the first handover may include the terminal disconnecting from the second network device and establishing a connection between the terminal and the third network device.

[0230] Step 2119: The terminal sends the sixth message to the second network device.

[0231] In some embodiments, the sixth message is used to request the second network device to modify the terminal's session information, wherein the terminal's session information may include first information, that is, when the terminal establishes a communication connection with the second network device, the terminal may send the sixth message to the second network device to request the updating of the terminal's context information.

[0232] In some embodiments, for example, the sixth message may carry new session information to request that the session information be modified to the new session information.

[0233] Step 2120: The second network device sends the seventh message to the fourth network device.

[0234] In some embodiments, the seventh message is used to request the fourth network device to modify the terminal's session information. That is, when the second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the second network device can report the modification request to the fourth network device.

[0235] Step 2121: The fourth network device responds to the seventh message and modifies the terminal's session information.

[0236] In some embodiments, since the second network device establishes a communication connection with the terminal and the second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the fourth network device stores the terminal's session information. After receiving a modification request, the fourth network device can update the locally stored session information.

[0237] Step 2122: The fourth network device sends the eighth message to the second network device.

[0238] In some embodiments, the eighth message is a modification feedback message. That is, after the fourth network device completes the modification of the session information, it can send the eighth message to the second network device to notify the second network device that the modification has been completed.

[0239] Step 2123: The fourth network device sends a second message to the first network device.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive a second message sent by the fourth network device, wherein the second message is used to request an update of the first information stored in the first network device.

[0241] In other words, the fourth network device sends a second message to the first network device, requesting an update to the terminal's first information stored in the first network device.

[0242] Step 2124: The first network device responds to the second message and updates the first information.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first network device may update the stored first information in response to the second message.

[0244] Step 2125: The first network device sends the updated first information to the fifth network device.

[0245] In some embodiments, after the first network device completes the update of the fifth network device, it can send the updated first information to the fifth network device.

[0246] For example, when the second network device is managed by the fourth network device and the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, and the terminal needs to switch the communication connection from the second network device to the third network device, the fifth network device needs to obtain the first information from the first network device. At this time, the first network device can send the updated first information to the fifth network device.

[0247] In some embodiments, this step is optional, and the first network device may not send the updated first information to the fifth network device.

[0248] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2125. For example, steps 2101+2102+2103+2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2105+2106+2107+2109+2111+2112+2114+2115+2117+2118 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2105+2108+2110+2113+2116+2117+2118 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2119+2120+2121+2122+2123+2124+2125 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 2105+2106+2107+2109+2111+2112+2114+2115+2117+2118+2119+2120+2121+2122 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. +2123+2124+2125 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2105+2108+2110+2113+2116+2117+2118+2119+2120+2121+2122+2123+2124+2125 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2109+2111+2112+2114+2115+2117+2118 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105+2108+2110+2113+2116+2117+2118 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0249] For example, the above steps 2101+2102+2103+2104 can represent the registration process, which can realize the storage of the context information of the first terminal in the first network device.

[0250] For example, the above steps 2105+2106+2107+2109+2111+2112+2114+2115+2117+2118 can represent the process of the terminal communication connection switching between different network elements.

[0251] For example, the above steps 2105+2108+2110+2113+2116+2117+2118 can represent the process of switching the terminal communication connection between different nodes within the same network element.

[0252] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps 2107 and 2108 can be interchanged, or they can be executed simultaneously.

[0253] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps 2109 and 2110 can be interchanged, or they can be executed simultaneously.

[0254] In some embodiments, step 2111 needs to be executed after step 2109 and before step 2112. The execution order of steps 2111 and 2113 can be interchanged, or they can be executed simultaneously.

[0255] In some embodiments, step 2112 needs to be executed after step 2111 and before step 2114. The execution order of steps 2112 and 2113 can be interchanged, or they can be executed simultaneously.

[0256] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps 2113 and 2114 can be interchanged, or they can be executed simultaneously.

[0257] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps 2115 and 2116 can be interchanged, or they can be executed simultaneously.

[0258] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps 2122 and 2123 can be interchanged, or they can be executed simultaneously.

[0259] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first network device, the method comprising:

[0260] Step 3101: Receive the first information.

[0261] The optional implementation of step 3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first network device receives first information sent by the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains first information as defined by a protocol.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first network device processes information to obtain the first information.

[0265] Step 3102: The first device stores the first information.

[0266] The optional implementation of step 3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] Step 3103: Receive the first message.

[0268] The optional implementation of step 3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2111 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first network device receives a first message sent by the fifth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first message sent by other entities.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains a first message as defined by the protocol.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first network device processes the data to obtain the first message.

[0272] Step 3104: Send the first message to the fifth network device.

[0273] The optional implementation of step 3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2112 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0274] In some embodiments, the fifth network device may receive the first information.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first network device may send first information to the fifth network device, but is not limited thereto; the first network device may also send first information to other entities.

[0276] Step 3105: Receive the second message.

[0277] The optional implementation of step 3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2123 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first network device receives a second message sent by a fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a second message sent by other entities.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains a second message defined by the protocol.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first network device processes the data to obtain the second message.

[0281] Step 3106: In response to the second message, update the first message.

[0282] The optional implementation of step 3106 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2124 in Figure 2, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] Step 3107: Send the updated first information to the fifth network device.

[0284] The optional implementation of step 3107 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2125 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] In some embodiments, the fifth network device may receive the updated first information.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first network device may send the updated first information to the fifth network device, but is not limited thereto; the first network device may also send the updated first information to other entities.

[0287] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3107. For example, steps 3101+3102, 3103+3104, 3103+3104, 3105+3106+3107, 3103+3104+3105+3106+3107, and 3103+3104+3105+3106 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0288] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps 3107 and 3103 can be interchanged.

[0289] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first network device, the method comprising:

[0290] Step 3201: Receive the first information.

[0291] The optional implementation of step 3201 can be found in step 2103 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3101 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0292] Step 3202: The first device stores the first information.

[0293] The optional implementation of step 3202 can be found in step 2104 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3102 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] Step 3203: Receive the first message.

[0295] The optional implementation of step 3203 can be found in step 2111 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3103 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] Step 3204: Send the first message to the fifth network device.

[0297] Optional implementations of step 3204 can be found in step 2112 of Figure 2, optional implementations of step 3104 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] Figure 3c is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3c, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first network device, the method comprising:

[0299] Step 3301: Execute the first switching process.

[0300] The optional implementations of step 3301 can be found in steps 2111 and 2112 in Figure 2, steps 3103 and 3104 in Figure 3a, steps 3203 and 3204 in Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0301] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a second network device, the method comprising:

[0302] Step 4101: Receive the first information.

[0303] The optional implementation of step 4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] In some embodiments, the second network device receives first information sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0305] In some embodiments, the second network device acquires first information as defined by the protocol.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second network device processes the information to obtain the first information.

[0307] Step 4102: Send the first message.

[0308] The optional implementation of step 4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may receive the first information.

[0310] In some embodiments, the second network device may send the first information to the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; the second network device may also send the first information to other entities.

[0311] Step 4103: Send the third message.

[0312] The optional implementation of step 4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2105 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may receive a third message.

[0314] In some embodiments, the second network device may send a third message to the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; the second network device may also send a third message to other entities.

[0315] Step 4104: Receive the fourth message.

[0316] The optional implementation of step 4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2117 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second network device receives a fourth message sent by the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a fourth message sent by other entities.

[0318] In some embodiments, the second network device receives a fourth message as defined by the protocol.

[0319] In some embodiments, the second network device processes the data to obtain the fourth message.

[0320] Step 4105: Send the fifth message.

[0321] The optional implementation of step 4105 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2118 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0322] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive a fifth message.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second network device may send a fifth message to the terminal, but is not limited thereto; the second network device may also send a fifth message to other entities.

[0324] Step 4106: Receive the sixth message.

[0325] The optional implementation of step 4106 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2119 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0326] In some embodiments, the second network device receives a sixth message sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a sixth message sent by other entities.

[0327] In some embodiments, the second network device obtains a sixth message as defined by the protocol.

[0328] In some embodiments, the second network device processes the data to obtain the sixth message.

[0329] Step 4107: Send the seventh message.

[0330] The optional implementation of step 4107 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2120 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0331] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may receive a seventh message.

[0332] In some embodiments, the second network device may send a seventh message to the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; the second network device may also send a seventh message to other entities.

[0333] Step 4108: Receive the eighth message.

[0334] The optional implementation of step 4108 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2122 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second network device receives an eighth message sent by the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive an eighth message sent by other entities.

[0336] In some embodiments, the second network device obtains the eighth message as defined by the protocol.

[0337] In some embodiments, the second network device processes the data to obtain the eighth message.

[0338] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 4101 to 4108. For example, steps 4101+4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 4101+4102+4103+4104+4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 4101+4102+4103+4104+4105+4106+4107+4108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0339] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a second network device, the method comprising:

[0340] Step 4201: Send the third message.

[0341] The optional implementation of step 4201 can be found in step 2105 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 4103 of Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] Step 4202: Receive the fourth message.

[0343] Optional implementations of step 4202 can be found in step 2117 of Figure 2, optional implementations of step 4104 of Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] Step 4203: Send the fifth message.

[0345] The optional implementation of step 4203 can be found in step 2118 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 4105 of Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] Figure 4c is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4c, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a second network device, the method comprising:

[0347] Step 4301: Execute the first switching process.

[0348] The optional implementations of step 4301 can be found in steps 2105, 2117, and 2118 in Figure 2, steps 4103, 4104, and 4105 in Figure 4a, steps 4201, 4202, and 4203 in Figure 4b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, and 4b, which will not be repeated here.

[0349] Figure 5a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network device, the method comprising:

[0350] Step 5101: Receive the ninth message.

[0351] The optional implementation of step 5101 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2107 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] In some embodiments, the third network device receives a ninth message sent by the fifth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a ninth message sent by other entities.

[0353] In some embodiments, the third network device obtains the ninth message as defined by the protocol.

[0354] In some embodiments, a third network device processes the data to obtain a ninth message.

[0355] Step 5102: Receive the tenth message.

[0356] The optional implementation of step 5102 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2115 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0357] In some embodiments, the third network device receives a tenth message sent by the fifth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a tenth message sent by other entities.

[0358] In some embodiments, the third network device obtains the tenth message as defined by the protocol.

[0359] In some embodiments, a third network device processes the data to obtain the tenth message.

[0360] Step 5103: Receive the eleventh message.

[0361] The optional implementation of step 5103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2108 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] In some embodiments, the third network device receives the eleventh message sent by the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the eleventh message sent by other entities.

[0363] In some embodiments, the third network device receives the eleventh message as defined by the protocol.

[0364] In some embodiments, a third network device processes the data to obtain the eleventh message.

[0365] Step 5104: Receive the twelfth message.

[0366] The optional implementation of step 5104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2116 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0367] In some embodiments, the third network device receives the twelfth message sent by the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the twelfth message sent by other entities.

[0368] In some embodiments, the third network device receives the twelfth message as defined by the protocol.

[0369] In some embodiments, a third network device processes the data to obtain the twelfth message.

[0370] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 5101 to 5104. For example, steps 5101+5102+5103+5104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps 5101+5102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps 5103+5104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0371] Figure 5b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network device, the method comprising:

[0372] Step 5201: Execute the first switching process.

[0373] The optional implementations of step 5201 can be found in steps 2107, 2108, 2115, and 2116 in Figure 2, steps 5101, 5102, 5103, and 5104 in Figure 5a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0374] Figure 6a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a fourth network device, the method comprising:

[0375] Step 6101: Receive the first information.

[0376] The optional implementation of step 6101 can be found in step 2102 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 4102 of Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] In some embodiments, the fourth network device receives the first information sent by the second network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0378] In some embodiments, the fourth network device obtains the first information specified by the protocol.

[0379] In some embodiments, the fourth network device processes the information to obtain the first information.

[0380] Step 6102: Send the first message.

[0381] The optional implementation of step 6102 can be found in step 2103 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3101 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0382] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive first information.

[0383] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may send the first information to the first network device, but is not limited thereto; the fourth network device may also send the first information to other entities.

[0384] Step 6103: Receive the third message.

[0385] The optional implementation of step 6103 can be found in step 2105 of Figure 2, step 4103 of Figure 4a, step 4201 of Figure 4b, and other related parts in the embodiments of Figures 2, 4a, and 4b, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] In some embodiments, the fourth network device receives a third message sent by the second network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a third message sent by other entities.

[0387] In some embodiments, the fourth network device obtains a third message as defined by the protocol.

[0388] In some embodiments, the fourth network device processes the data to obtain the third message.

[0389] Step 6104: Send the thirteenth message.

[0390] The optional implementation of step 6104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2106 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0391] In some embodiments, the fifth network device may receive a thirteenth message.

[0392] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may send a thirteenth message to the fifth network device, but is not limited thereto; the fourth network device may also send a thirteenth message to other entities.

[0393] Step 6105: Send the eleventh message.

[0394] The optional implementation of step 6105 can be found in step 2108 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 5103 of Figure 5a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] In some embodiments, the third network device may receive the eleventh message.

[0396] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may send an eleventh message to the third network device, but is not limited thereto; the fourth network device may also send an eleventh message to other entities.

[0397] Step 6106: Determine that the first information exists in the fourth network device.

[0398] The optional implementation of step 6106 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2110 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0399] Step 6107: Process the third message.

[0400] The optional implementation of step 6107 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2113 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0401] Step 6108: Send the twelfth message.

[0402] The optional implementation of step 6108 can be found in step 2116 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 5104 of Figure 5a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0403] In some embodiments, the third network device may receive the twelfth message.

[0404] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may send a twelfth message to the third network device, but is not limited thereto; the fourth network device may also send a twelfth message to other entities.

[0405] Step 6109: Send the fourth message.

[0406] The optional implementation of step 6109 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2117 in Figure 2, step 4104 in Figure 4a, step 4202 in Figure 4b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, and 4b, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive a fourth message.

[0408] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may send a fourth message to the second network device, but is not limited thereto; the fourth network device may also send a fourth message to other entities.

[0409] Step 6110: Receive the seventh message.

[0410] The optional implementation of step 6110 can be found in step 2120 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 4107 of Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] In some embodiments, the fourth network device receives a seventh message sent by the second network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a seventh message sent by other entities.

[0412] In some embodiments, the fourth network device obtains the seventh message as defined by the protocol.

[0413] In some embodiments, the fourth network device processes the data to obtain the seventh message.

[0414] Step 6111: In response to the seventh message, modify the terminal's session information.

[0415] The optional implementation of step 6111 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2121 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0416] Step 6112: Send the eighth message.

[0417] The optional implementation of step 6112 can be found in step 2122 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 4108 of Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0418] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive an eighth message.

[0419] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may send an eighth message to the second network device, but is not limited thereto; the fourth network device may also send an eighth message to other entities.

[0420] Step 6113: Send the second message.

[0421] The optional implementation of step 6113 can be found in step 2123 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3105 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0422] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive a second message.

[0423] In some embodiments, the fourth network device may send a second message to the first network device, but is not limited thereto; the fourth network device may also send a second message to other entities.

[0424] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 6101 to 6113. For example, steps 6101+6102+6103+6104+6105+6106+6107+6108+6109+6110+6111+6112+6113 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 6103+6104+6109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 6103+6106+6107+6108+6109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 6101+6102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 6103+6104+6109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 6110+6111+6112+6113 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. Step 113 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, as can steps 6101+6102+6103+6104+6109, 6101+6102+6103+6105+6106+6107+6108+6109, 6103+6104+6109+6110+6111+6112+6113, and 6103+6105+6106+6107+6108+6109+6110+6111+6112+611, but are not limited thereto.

[0425] Figure 6b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6b, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a fourth network device, the method comprising:

[0426] Step 6201: Receive the third message.

[0427] The optional implementation of step 6201 can be found in step 2105 of Figure 2, step 4103 of Figure 4a, step 4201 of Figure 4b, optional implementation of step 6103 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments of Figures 2, 4a, 4b, and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0428] Step 6202: Send the thirteenth message.

[0429] The optional implementation of step 6202 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2106 in Figure 2, step 6104 in Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0430] Step 6203: Send the eleventh message.

[0431] The optional implementation of step 6203 can be found in step 2108 of Figure 2, step 5103 of Figure 5a, the optional implementation of step 6105 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 5a, and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0432] Step 6204: Determine that the first information exists in the fourth network device.

[0433] The optional implementation of step 6204 can be found in step 2110 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 6106 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] Step 6205: Process the third message.

[0435] The optional implementation of step 6205 can be found in step 2113 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 6107 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0436] Step 6206: Send the twelfth message.

[0437] Optional implementations of step 6206 can be found in step 2116 of Figure 2, step 5104 of Figure 5a, step 6108 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 5a, and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0438] Step 6207: Send the fourth message.

[0439] Optional implementations of step 6207 can be found in step 2117 of Figure 2, step 4104 of Figure 4a, step 4202 of Figure 4b, optional implementations of step 6109 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, 4b, and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0440] Figure 6c is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6c, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a fourth network device, the method comprising:

[0441] Step 6301: Execute the first switching process.

[0442] Optional implementations of step 6207 can be found in the optional implementations of steps 2105, 2106, 2117, 2108, 2110, 2113, 2116, and 2117 in Figure 2; steps 4103 and 4104 in Figure 4a; steps 4201 and 4202 in Figure 4b; steps 5103 and 5104 in Figure 5a; steps 6103, 6104, 6105, 6106, 6107, 6108, and 6109 in Figure 6a; steps 6201, 6202, 6203, 6204, 6205, 6206, and 6207 in Figure 6b; and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, 4b, 5a, 6a, and 6b. These will not be repeated here.

[0443] Figure 7a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a fifth network device, the method comprising:

[0444] Step 7101: Receive the thirteenth message.

[0445] The optional implementation of step 7101 can be found in the optional implementations of step 2106 in Figure 2, step 6104 in Figure 6a, and step 6202 in Figure 6b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] In some embodiments, the fifth network device receives the thirteenth message sent by the fourth network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the thirteenth message sent by other entities.

[0447] In some embodiments, the fifth network device receives the thirteenth message as defined by the protocol.

[0448] In some embodiments, the fifth network device processes the data to obtain the thirteenth message.

[0449] Step 7102: Send the ninth message.

[0450] The optional implementation of step 7102 can be found in step 2107 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 5101 of Figure 5a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] In some embodiments, the third network device may receive the ninth message.

[0452] In some embodiments, the fifth network device may send a ninth message to the third network device, but is not limited thereto; the fifth network device may also send a ninth message to other entities.

[0453] Step 7103: Determine that the first information does not exist in the fifth network device.

[0454] The optional implementation of step 7103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2109 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0455] Step 7104: Send the first message.

[0456] The optional implementation of step 7104 can be found in the optional implementations of step 2111 in Figure 2, step 3103 in Figure 3a, step 3203 in Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0457] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive the first message.

[0458] In some embodiments, the fifth network device may send a first message to the first network device, but is not limited thereto; the fifth network device may also send a first message to other entities.

[0459] Step 7105: Receive the first information.

[0460] The optional implementation of step 7105 can be found in the optional implementations of step 2112 in Figure 2, step 3104 in Figure 3a, and step 3204 in Figure 3b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0461] In some embodiments, the fifth network device receives the first information sent by the first network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0462] In some embodiments, the fifth network device obtains first information as defined by the protocol.

[0463] In some embodiments, the fifth network device processes the information to obtain the first information.

[0464] Step 7106: Process the handover request.

[0465] The optional implementation of step 7106 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2114 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0466] Step 7107: Receive the tenth message.

[0467] The optional implementation of step 7107 can be found in step 2115 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 5102 of Figure 5a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0468] Step 7108: Receive the updated first information.

[0469] Optional implementations of step 7108 can be found in step 2125 of Figure 2, optional implementations of step 3107 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0470] In some embodiments, the fifth network device receives updated first information sent by the first network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive updated first information sent by other entities.

[0471] In some embodiments, the fifth network device obtains the updated first information as specified in the protocol.

[0472] In some embodiments, the fifth network device processes the information to obtain the updated first information.

[0473] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 7101 to 7108. For example, steps 7101+7102+7103+7104+7105+7106+7107+7108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 7101+7102+7103+7104+7105+7106+7107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0474] Figure 7b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7b, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a fifth network device, the method comprising:

[0475] Step 7201: Execute the first switching process.

[0476] The optional implementations of step 7201 can be found in the optional implementations of steps 2106, 2107, 2109, 2111, 2112, 2114, and 2115 in Figure 2, steps 3103 and 3104 in Figure 3a, steps 3203 and 3204 in Figure 3b, steps 5101 and 5102 in Figure 5a, step 6104 in Figure 6a, and step 6202 in Figure 6b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0477] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system, the communication system including a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, a fourth network device, and a fifth network device. The method includes:

[0478] Step 8101: Execute the first switching process.

[0479] The optional implementation methods for step 8101 can be found in steps 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118 in Figure 2; steps 3103, 3104 in Figure 3a; steps 3203, 3204 in Figure 3b; step 3301 in Figure 3c; steps 4103, 4104, 4105 in Figure 4a; steps 4201, 4202, 4203 in Figure 4b; step 4301 in Figure 4c; steps 5101, 5102, 5103, 5104 in Figure 5a; and step 520 in Figure 5b. 1. The optional implementations of steps 6103, 6104, 6105, 6106, 6107, 6108, and 6109 in Figure 6a, steps 6201, 6202, 6203, 6204, 6205, 6206, and 6207 in Figure 6b, step 6301 in Figure 6c, steps 7101, 7102, 7103, 7104, 7105, 7106, and 7107 in Figure 7a, and step 7201 in Figure 7b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, and 7b, will not be repeated here.

[0480] The following is an exemplary description of the above method.

[0481] The method shown in this disclosure relates to a method for a distributed lightweight satellite core network (CN) structure to work collaboratively with a ground core network. The specific content of this method is as follows.

[0482] The method in this example is based on the regenerative mode, which moves some functions of the terrestrial core network to the satellite, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and User Plane Function (UPF). Using GEO satellites as network elements to collaboratively manage LEO satellites can realize a lightweight satellite core network that can work in conjunction with the terrestrial 5G core network.

[0483] For example, the functionality of a GEO satellite can be embedded as follows:

[0484] Network Repository Function (NRF): This function is responsible for the registration, management and status detection of Network Functions (NFs), and realizes automatic management of NFs. The NRF on GEO can cooperate with the NRF on the ground through the link.

[0485] Unstructured Data Storage network function (UDSF): Defined by 3GPP, this function stores unstructured data, such as user and NFs context. In the 5G core network (5Generation Core, 5GC), it manages the retrieval, creation, updating, and deletion of contexts in the database. UDSF is not synchronized with terrestrial UDSFs because the contexts in the UDSF stored on GEO are only shared between different nodes within the low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. UDSF is deployed in GEO because GEO is relatively stationary, and each GEO can cover more than one-third of the Earth, including areas with the most active user activity. UDSF deployment also helps reduce the likelihood of service interruptions due to context switching.

[0486] Satellite Network Control and Management Function (SNCMF): This is a new monitoring function that provides information on the network topology of the LEO satellite constellation, resource utilization, inter-satellite link (ISL) congestion levels, and the number of users serving the LEO satellite constellation. Furthermore, SNCMF has the ability to calculate the optimal number of Network Functions (NFs) and the location of each NF, as well as the ability to deploy and destroy NFs. Like a controller component, it acts as a network function manager in open network automation platforms and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Additionally, SNCMF facilitates the exchange of information between NFs, such as NF load levels.

[0487] Satellite base station (satellite-gNB, S-gNB) functions: It can provide wireless coverage for ground users and perform satellite signaling processing.

[0488] The Terrestrial Core Network (TCN) provides comprehensive core network services, including AMF, SMF, UPF, unified data management, authentication server functionality, and NF library functionality. The TCN also includes optional features such as UDSF and network data analysis capabilities; this example does not consider which optional NFs are specifically deployed.

[0489] Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) function: This function monitors the satellite's status. For example, these components are connected together via ground links.

[0490] Specifically, GEO can control the terminal to switch between different satellites or different AMFs, as shown in Figure 9, which is an example of signaling for the terminal to switch between different AMFs.

[0491] When a terminal switches between different AMFs, the target AMF needs to obtain the terminal's relevant information from the USDF first.

[0492] In summary, the method provided in this example, because the GEO can control and manage a large range of LEOs, shares some of the functions of the terrestrial core network, thereby reducing the terrestrial core network from experiencing signal storms and service interruptions. It can also effectively reduce signaling latency and forwarding overhead, and improve system performance.

[0493] Figure 10a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network device 101 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10a, the first network device 101 includes: a processing module 10101, used to execute a first switching process, the first switching process being used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite; optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the processing-related steps (e.g., step 2111, step 2112, etc., but not limited thereto) executed by the first network device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0494] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to receive first information sent by a fourth network device, wherein the second network device is managed by the fourth network device, the fourth network device is deployed on the second satellite, and the first information is related to the context of the terminal.

[0495] In some embodiments, the processing module further includes a storage module for storing the first information.

[0496] In some embodiments, the processing module can also be used to receive a first message sent by a fifth network device under a first condition, wherein the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, the first message is used to request to obtain first information, and the fifth network device is deployed on the second satellite; and to send the first information to the fifth network device.

[0497] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to receive a second message sent by a fourth network device, the second message being used to request an update of the first information stored in the first network device.

[0498] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to update the first information in response to the second message.

[0499] In some embodiments, the processing module can also be used to send the updated first information to the fifth network device.

[0500] Figure 10b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network device 102 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10b, the second network device 102 includes: a processing module 10201, used to execute a first switching process, the first switching process being used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and a third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite; optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the processing-related steps (e.g., steps 2105, 2117, 2118, etc., but not limited thereto) executed by the second network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0501] In some embodiments, the processing module can also be used to receive first information sent by the terminal, the first information being context-dependent on the terminal; and to send the first information to a fourth network device, the second network device being managed by the fourth network device, the fourth network device being deployed on the second satellite.

[0502] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to send a third message to a fourth network device, the third message being used to request a handover of the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device; receive a fourth message sent by the fourth network device; and send a fifth message to the terminal, the fourth message and / or the fifth message being a handover feedback message.

[0503] In some embodiments, the processing module can also be used to receive a sixth message sent by the terminal, the sixth message being used to request the second network device to modify the terminal's session information; send a seventh message to the fourth network device, the seventh message being used to request the fourth network device to modify the terminal's session information; and receive an eighth message sent by the fourth network device, the eighth message being a modification feedback message.

[0504] Figure 10c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network device 103 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10c, the third network device 103 includes: a processing module 10301, used to execute a first switching process, the first switching process being used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite; optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the processing-related steps (e.g., steps 2107, 2115, 2108, 2116, etc., but not limited thereto) executed by the third network device 103 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0505] In some embodiments, the processing module can also be used to receive a ninth message sent by the fifth network device, the ninth message being a handover preparation message, and the third network device being managed by the fifth network device; and to receive a tenth message sent by the fifth network device, the tenth message being a handover feedback message.

[0506] In some embodiments, the processing module can also be used to receive an eleventh message sent by the fourth network device, the eleventh message being a handover preparation message, wherein the second network device and the third network device are managed by the fourth network device; and to receive a twelfth message sent by the fourth network device, the twelfth message being a handover feedback message.

[0507] Figure 10d is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network device 104 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10d, the fourth network device 104 includes: a processing module 10401, used to execute a first switching process, the first switching process being used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite; optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the processing-related steps (e.g., steps 2105, 2106, 2117, 2108, 2110, 2113, 2116, etc., but not limited thereto) executed by the fourth network device 104 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0508] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to receive first information sent by a second network device, the second network device being managed by a fourth network device, and the first information being context-dependent on the terminal; and to send the first information to the first network device.

[0509] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to receive a third message sent by the second network device, the third message being used to request a communication connection between the handover terminal and the second network device; send a thirteenth message to the fifth network device, the thirteenth message being a handover preparation message; and send a fourth message to the second network device, the fourth message being a handover feedback message.

[0510] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to receive a third message sent by the second network device, the third message being used to request a communication connection between the handover terminal and the second network device; send an eleventh message to the third network device, the eleventh message being a handover preparation message; determine that the fourth network device contains first information; process the third message; and send a twelfth message to the third network device, the twelfth message being a handover feedback message.

[0511] In some embodiments, the processing module may further be configured to receive a seventh message sent by a second network device, the seventh message being used to request a fourth network device to modify the terminal's session information; in response to the seventh message, modify the terminal's session information, the session information including first information; send an eighth message to the second network device, the eighth message being a modification feedback message; and send a second message to the first network device, the second message being used to request an update of the first information stored in the first network device.

[0512] Figure 10e is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth network device 105 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10e, the fifth network device 105 includes: a processing module 10501, used to execute a first switching process, the first switching process being used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on a second satellite; optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the processing-related steps (e.g., steps 2106, 2107, 2109, 2111, 2112, 2114, 2115, etc., but not limited thereto) executed by the fifth network device 105 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0513] In some embodiments, the processing module can also be used to receive a thirteenth message sent by a fourth network device, the thirteenth message being a handover preparation message; send a ninth message to a third network device, the ninth message being a handover preparation message; determine that there is no first information in the fifth network device, the first information being related to the context of the terminal; send a first message to a first network device, the third network device being managed by the fifth network device, the first message being used to request the acquisition of the first information; receive the first information sent by the first network device; process the handover request; and send a tenth message to the third network device, the tenth message being a handover feedback message.

[0514] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to receive updated first information sent by the first network device.

[0515] As shown in Figure 11a, the communication device 11100 includes one or more processors 11101. The processor 11101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 11101 is used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 11100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0516] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more memories 11102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 11102 may also be located outside the communication device 11100.

[0517] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more transceivers 11103. When the communication device 11100 includes one or more transceivers 11103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceivers 11103, and other steps are performed by the processor 11101.

[0518] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0519] Optionally, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more interface circuits 11104, which are connected to the memory 11102. The interface circuits 11104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 11102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 11102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 11104 can read instructions stored in the memory 11102 and send the instructions to the processor 11101.

[0520] The communication device 11100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 11100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 11100 may not be limited by FIG11a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0521] Figure 11b is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 11200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 11100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 11200 shown in Figure 11b, but it is not limited thereto.

[0522] Chip 11200 includes one or more processors 11201, which are used to invoke instructions to cause chip 11200 to perform any of the above methods.

[0523] In some embodiments, chip 11200 further includes one or more interface circuits 11202 connected to memory 11203. Interface circuits 11202 can be used to receive signals from memory 11203 or other devices, and can also be used to send signals to memory 11203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 11202 can read instructions stored in memory 11203 and send those instructions to processor 11201. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be used interchangeably.

[0524] In some embodiments, chip 11200 further includes one or more memories 11203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 11203 may be located outside of chip 11200.

[0525] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 11100, cause the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0526] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 11100, causes the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0527] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0528] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0529] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0530] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0531] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0532] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0533] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first network device deployed on a first satellite, and the method includes: A first handover process is performed, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on the second satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives first information sent by a fourth network device, wherein the second network device is managed by the fourth network device and the fourth network device is deployed on the second satellite, and the first information is related to the context of the terminal. Store the first information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The execution of the first switching process includes: The system receives a first message sent by a fifth network device under a first condition, wherein the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, and the first message is used to request the first information, wherein the fifth network device is deployed on the second satellite. The first information is sent to the fifth network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first condition is: the fifth network device determines that the first information does not exist in the fifth network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second message sent by a fourth network device, the second message being used to request an update of the first information stored in the first network device; In response to the second message, update the first information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the updated first information to the fifth network device.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a second network device, and the method includes: A first handover process is performed, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information sent by the terminal, wherein the first information is related to the context of the terminal; The first information is sent to a fourth network device, which is managed by the second network device and is deployed on the second satellite.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The execution of the first switching process includes: Send a third message to the fourth network device, the third message being used to request a switch of the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device; Receive the fourth message sent by the fourth network device; A fifth message is sent to the terminal, wherein the fourth message and / or the fifth message is a handover feedback message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal sends a sixth message, which is used to request the second network device to modify the terminal's session information. A seventh message is sent to the fourth network device, the seventh message being used to request the fourth network device to modify the terminal's session information; The system receives an eighth message sent by the fourth network device, which is a modification feedback message.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a third network device, and the method includes: A first handover process is performed, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The execution of the first switching process includes: The third network device is managed by the fifth network device. The ninth message is a handover preparation message sent by the fifth network device. The system receives a tenth message sent by the fifth network device, which is a handover feedback message.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The execution of the first switching process includes: Receive the eleventh message sent by the fourth network device, the eleventh message being a handover preparation message, wherein the second network device and the third network device are managed by the fourth network device; The system receives the twelfth message sent by the fourth network device, which is a handover feedback message.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a fourth network device deployed on the second satellite, and the method includes: A first handover process is performed, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on the second satellite.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives first information sent by a second network device, which is managed by the fourth network device, and the first information is related to the context of the terminal. Send the first information to the first network device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The execution of the first switching process includes: The terminal receives a third message sent by the second network device, the third message being used to request a switch of the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device; Send a thirteenth message to the fifth network device, the thirteenth message being a handover preparation message; A fourth message is sent to the second network device, the fourth message being a handover feedback message.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The execution of the first switching process includes: The terminal receives a third message sent by the second network device, the third message being used to request a switch of the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device; Send an eleventh message to the third network device, the eleventh message being a handover preparation message; It is determined that the first information exists in the fourth network device; Process the third message; A twelfth message is sent to the third network device; the twelfth message is a handover feedback message.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives a seventh message sent by the second network device, the seventh message being used to request the fourth network device to modify the terminal's session information; In response to the seventh message, the terminal's session information is modified, the session information including the first information; Send an eighth message to the second network device, the eighth message being a modification feedback message; A second message is sent to the first network device, the second message being used to request an update of the first information stored in the first network device.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a fifth network device deployed on the second satellite, and the method includes: A first handover process is performed, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, the second network device and the third network device being deployed on the second satellite.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The execution of the first switching process includes: Receive the thirteenth message sent by the fourth network device, the thirteenth message being a handover preparation message; Send a ninth message to the third network device, the ninth message being a handover preparation message; It is determined that the first information does not exist in the fifth network device, and the first information is related to the context of the terminal; A first message is sent to a first network device, wherein the third network device is managed by the fifth network device, and the first message is used to request the acquisition of the first information. Receive the first information sent by the first network device; Handle the switch request; Send a tenth message to the third network device, the tenth message being a handover feedback message.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the updated first information sent by the first network device.

22. A first network device, characterized in that, The first network device is deployed on the first satellite and includes: The processing module is used to execute a first handover process, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

23. A second network device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to execute a first handover process, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

24. A third network device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to execute a first handover process, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

25. A fourth network device, the fourth network device being deployed on a second satellite, comprising: The processing module is used to execute a first handover process, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

26. A fifth network device, the fifth network device being deployed on a second satellite, comprising: The processing module is used to execute a first handover process, which is used to switch the communication connection between the terminal and the second network device to the communication connection between the terminal and the third network device, wherein the second network device and the third network device are deployed on the second satellite.

27. A communication device, wherein, include: transceiver; Memory; The processor is connected to the transceiver and the memory respectively, and is configured to control the wireless signal transmission and reception of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and is capable of implementing the method of any one of claims 1-21.

28. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions can implement the method of any one of claims 1-21.

29. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, and a fourth network device. The first network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, the second network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7-10, the third network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-13, and the fourth network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14-18.

30. The communication system according to claim 29, characterized in that, It also includes a fifth network device, which is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 19-21.

31. The communication system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, It also includes at least one of the following: terrestrial core network equipment, ground station GW, and terminal.

32. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes a first network device, the first network device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes at least one of a second network device, a third network device, a fourth network device, and a fifth network device, wherein the second network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7-10, the third network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-13, the fourth network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14-18, and the fifth network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 19-21.

34. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A first network device is deployed on a first satellite and is used for at least one of storing unstructured data, data retrieval, data creation, data updating, and data deletion. The second network device, the third network device, the fourth network device, and the fifth network device are deployed on the second satellite. The second network device and the third network device are access network devices, and the fourth network device and the fifth network device are core network devices used for access and mobility management.

35. The communication system according to claim 34, characterized in that, Also includes: A sixth network device is deployed on the first satellite and is used for network function management.

36. The communication system according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that, Also includes: A seventh network device is deployed on the first satellite and is used for at least one of satellite control, satellite management, satellite data acquisition, network function management, and user management.

37. The communication system according to any one of claims 34 to 26, characterized in that, Also includes: The eighth network device is deployed on the ground.

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