Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first core network element acquires geographic location information and / or a cell identifier corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service; the first core network element determines first information, the first information comprising the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or a correspondence, wherein the correspondence indicates a correspondence between the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; and the first core network element sends the first information to a terminal. The communication method and the communication apparatus provided by the present application ensures that the terminal device can access or connect to a specified multicast broadcast service within the actual coverage area of the multicast broadcast service.

Description

A communication method and a communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410538735.3, filed on April 30, 2024, entitled "A communication method and a communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the service announcement information of a multicast broadcast service (MBS), information such as the service area of the multicast broadcast service is carried, so that the multicast broadcast service client can determine the service area of the multicast broadcast service. However, in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenario, that is, the service area of the multicast broadcast service is the NTN coverage area, since the multicast broadcast service service area information provided by the core network (CN) and the multicast broadcast service service area information broadcast by the access network device are inconsistent, the multicast broadcast service client cannot determine the actual coverage area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0004] Therefore, the current protocol does not specify how to generate the service announcement information of the multicast broadcast service, thereby improving the accuracy of the multicast broadcast service client in determining the MBS service area. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, so that the terminal determines the actual coverage area of the multicast broadcast service according to the information issued by the network device, thereby improving the accuracy of the terminal in determining the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method is provided, which can be performed by an apparatus (e.g., a communication apparatus). The apparatus can be a device (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device), or can also be a component (e.g., a chip or a chip system or a circuit) of the device, which is not limited in the present application. Hereinafter, the communication apparatus is mainly taken as an example for description.

[0007] The method comprises: a first core network element obtaining geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a cell identifier; the first core network element determining first information, the first information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship, the corresponding relationship indicating a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; wherein the satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; and the first core network element sending the first information to a terminal.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the first core network element comprises the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship. The terminal determines an actual coverage area of the multicast broadcast service according to the first information, thereby ensuring that the terminal device accesses or accesses the multicast broadcast service within the specified MBS actual coverage area.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, the first core network element obtains geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a cell identifier; and the first core network element sends the first information to a terminal.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the service area of the multicast broadcast service is NTN coverage.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in the case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is NTN coverage, the first core network element sends the first information to the terminal.

[0012] In one possible way, the first core network element determines by itself that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is NTN coverage.

[0013] In another possible way, the first core network element sends the first information to the terminal based on second information.

[0014] Optionally, the second information indicates that the first core network element sends the first information to the terminal; or the second information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is NTN coverage.

[0015] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate that the first core network element sends the first information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship to the terminal device, or the second information is used to indicate that the first core network element generates the first information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0016] Optionally, the second information is from a second core network element; or the second information is from an access network device.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first core network element determines the service area of the multicast broadcast service as the NTN coverage area through multiple ways, and sends the first information including the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship based on the service area of the multicast broadcast service being the NTN coverage area, so as to ensure that the user can understand the service area of the multicast broadcast service under the satellite NTN coverage area, and further ensure that the terminal device accesses or accesses the multicast broadcast service in the specified multicast broadcast coverage area. The accuracy of sending the first information is improved, and the communication process is more flexible and efficient.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first core network element sending third information, the third information indicating whether the terminal determines to access or access the multicast broadcast service according to the broadcast information of the access network device, wherein the broadcast information of the access network device is used for the terminal to determine the service area of the multicast broadcast service (or the broadcast information of the access network device is used for the terminal to determine whether it is in the service area of the multicast broadcast service).

[0019] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device detects the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship in the first information according to the indication of the third information, ensures that the terminal device determines whether it is in the specified multicast broadcast coverage area according to the broadcast information of the access network device, and thus decides whether to access or access the multicast broadcast service, so that the communication process is more efficient.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first core network element obtaining a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, and determining the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service according to the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first core network element receiving the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service from a second core network element or an access network device.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the first core network element obtains the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service through multiple ways, improves the accuracy of the terminal determining the MBS actual coverage area, and makes the communication process more flexible and efficient.

[0023] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining, by the first core network element, the correspondence relationship from the access network device.

[0024] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining, by the first core network element, the correspondence relationship from the access network device.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, the first core network element obtains the correspondence relationship in multiple ways, ensuring that the terminal determines whether it is currently in the MBS actual service area according to the satellite cell identifier, thereby improving the accuracy of the terminal in determining the MBS actual coverage area while making the communication process more flexible and efficient.

[0026] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first core network element is any one of: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element.

[0027] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second core network element is any one of: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element, a multicast broadcast session management network element, a network exposure network element.

[0028] Based on the above scheme, the related communication operations can be processed or executed by different network elements, making the communication process more flexible and efficient.

[0029] The second aspect provides a method, which can be executed by a device (for example, a communication device). The device can be a device (such as a terminal device, or a network device), or can also be a component (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit) of the device, which is not limited in the present application. The following will mainly take the communication device as an example for description.

[0030] The method includes: sending first information to a first core network element, the first information indicating the first core network element to generate second information, the second information including geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a correspondence relationship; wherein the correspondence relationship indicates a correspondence relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; wherein the satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0031] In some implementations of the second aspect, the service area of the multicast broadcast service is a satellite NTN coverage.

[0032] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is used to instruct the first core network element to send second information to the terminal device, the second information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0033] Optionally, the first information instructs the first core network element to send second information to the terminal device; or the first information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0034] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further comprises: sending, to the first core network element, geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or cell identifiers corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0035] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is used to instruct the first core network element to send second information to the terminal device, the second information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0036] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further comprises: sending, to the access network device, third information, the third information instructing the access network device to send, to the first core network element, satellite cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0037] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further comprises: obtaining geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or cell identifiers corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0038] The second aspect and possible implementations have the advantages as described in relation to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0039] The third aspect provides a method, which can be executed by an apparatus (for example, a communication apparatus). The apparatus can be a device (such as a terminal device, or a network device), or can also be a component (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit) of the device, which will not be limited in the present application. The following will mainly take the communication apparatus as an example for description.

[0040] The method comprises: sending, by an access network device, first information to a first core network element, the first information being used to instruct the first core network element to send second information, the second information comprising geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship; wherein the corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; and wherein the satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcasting by the access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0041] With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the service area of the multicast broadcast service is a satellite NTN coverage.

[0042] With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the access network device sends the first information to the first core network element in a case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0043] Optionally, the first information instructs the first core network element to send the second information to a terminal; or the first information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0044] Optionally, the first information is used to instruct the first core network element to send, to a terminal device, the second information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship; or the first information is used to instruct the first core network element to generate the second information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0045] Optionally, the access network device judges by itself that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area; or the access network device receives third information from a second core network element, the third information indicating that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0046] With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further comprises: acquiring, by the access network device, the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service from a second core network element.

[0047] With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further comprises: receiving, by the access network device, fourth information from a first core network element, the fourth information being used to acquire the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0048] In some implementations of the third aspect, in combination with the third aspect, the method further includes: according to the fourth information, the access network device sending, to the first core network element, one or more of: the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, the satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, and the corresponding relationship.

[0049] In some implementations of the third aspect, in combination with the third aspect, the first core network element is any one of: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element.

[0050] In some implementations of the third aspect, in combination with the third aspect, the second core network element is any one of: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element, a multicast broadcast session management network element, and a network exposure network element.

[0051] The beneficial effects of the third aspect and possible implementations can refer to the description related to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0052] The fourth aspect provides a method, which can be executed by an apparatus (for example, a communication apparatus). The apparatus can be a device (such as a terminal device, or a network device), or can also be a component (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit) of the device, which is not limited in the present application. The following will mainly take the communication apparatus as an example for description.

[0053] The method includes: receiving, by a terminal, first information, the first information including geographic location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship; wherein the corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; wherein the satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcasting by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0054] In combination with the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the service area of the multicast broadcast service being covered by a satellite NTN.

[0055] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, in combination with the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving, by the terminal, second information, the second information indicating whether the terminal accesses or accesses the multicast broadcast service according to broadcast information of the access network device; and determining, by the terminal, the service area of the multicast broadcast service according to the broadcast information of the access network device.

[0056] The beneficial effects of the fourth aspect and possible implementations can refer to the description related to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The apparatus is configured to perform the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. Specifically, the apparatus can include a unit and / or module configured to perform the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and / or any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0058] In an implementation manner, the apparatus is a communication device (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device). When the apparatus is a communication device, the communication unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; and the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0059] In another implementation manner, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit used in a communication device. When the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit used in a communication device, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or a related circuit on the chip, the chip system, or the circuit; and the processing unit can be at least one processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a memory configured to store a program; and at least one processor configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory to perform the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and / or any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0061] In an implementation manner, the apparatus is a communication device (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device).

[0062] In another implementation manner, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit used in a communication device.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, a processor is provided. The processor is configured to perform the method in any one of the aspects.

[0064] For the sending and obtaining / receiving operations of the processor, if there is no special description, or if it does not contradict the actual role or inherent logic in the related description, it can be understood as the processor output and input operations, or the sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and the antenna, which are not limited in the present application.

[0065] In an eighth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium is configured to store program codes for execution by a device. The program codes include codes for performing the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and / or any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0066] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed by a processor on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any of the implementations of any of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0067] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored on a memory through the communication interface, and executes the method provided by any of the implementations of any of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0068] Optionally, as an implementation form, the chip further includes a memory, and the memory stores a computer program or instructions. The processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored on the memory, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is configured to execute the method provided by any of the implementations of any of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0069] In an eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is configured to execute the method provided by any of the implementations of the first aspect to the third aspect, and the second communication device is configured to execute the method provided by any of the implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0070] The beneficial effects of the fifth aspect to the eleventh aspect and possible implementation forms can refer to the foregoing related description, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture suitable for the method provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 200 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 600 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 900 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD), a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a 5th generation (5G) system or a new radio (NR) or other evolved communication systems, etc.

[0083] The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as a 6th generation mobile communication system, etc. The present application does not limit this.

[0084] The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to machine type communication (MTC), long term evolution-machine (LTE-M), device-to-device (D2D) network, machine to machine (M2M) network, internet of things (IoT) network or other network. The IoT network may, for example, include a vehicle network. In the vehicle network system, the communication mode is collectively referred to as vehicle to X (V2X, X can represent any thing), for example, the V2X may include vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) communication or vehicle to network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0085] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture suitable for the method provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 1, the network architecture is, for example, the 5G system (5GS) defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) protocol TS23.501. The network architecture can be divided into two parts: an access network (AN) and a core network. Among them, the access network can be used to implement wireless access related functions, and the core network mainly includes the following several key logical network elements: access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management (UDM), etc.

[0087] The following briefly introduces each network element shown in FIG. 1.

[0088] 1, User equipment (UE)

[0089] User equipment can be referred to as terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0090] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to a user, for example, a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, palm computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication function, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0091] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. The wearable device can also be referred to as a wearable smart device, which is a general term for devices that are designed and developed by applying wearable technology to daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. The wearable device is a portable device that is directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. The wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also a device that realizes powerful functions through software support and data interaction and cloud interaction. The general wearable smart device includes devices with full functions, large sizes, and the ability to realize complete or partial functions without relying on smart phones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, and devices that focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smart phones, such as various smart wristbands and smart jewelry for monitoring vital signs.

[0092] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an internet of things (IoT) system. The IoT is an important part of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is to connect objects through communication technology and network, so as to realize the intelligent network of man-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection.

[0093] In some scenarios, the terminal device can also be replaced by a client.

[0094] 2. Access network

[0095] The access network provides network access functions for user equipment, and can use different quality transmission tunnels according to the level of users, the needs of services, and the like. The access network can be an access network using different access technologies. There are two types of current wireless access technologies: 3GPP access technology (for example, wireless access technology used in 3G, 4G or 5G systems) and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technology. The 3GPP access technology refers to the access technology conforming to the 3GPP standard specification, for example, the access network device in the 5G system is called the next generation Node Base station (gNB). The non-3GPP access technology refers to the access technology that does not conform to the 3GPP standard specification, for example, the air interface technology represented by the access point (AP) in the wireless fidelity (WiFi).

[0096] The access network that realizes the access network function based on the wireless communication technology can be referred to as a radio access network (RAN). The radio access network can manage the wireless resources and provide access services for the terminal device, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user data between the terminal and the core network.

[0097] The radio access network may include, but is not limited to, a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP), or a transmission and reception point (TRP), and the like. The radio access network may also be a gNB or a transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (for example, NR) system, one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a future communication system, and the like. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form of the radio access network device.

[0098] The access network can provide services for a cell. The terminal device can communicate with the cell through the transmission resource (for example, frequency domain resource, or spectrum resource) allocated by the access network device.

[0099] 3. AMF

[0100] The AMF is mainly used for mobility management and access management, such as user location update, user registration network, user handover, and the like. The AMF can also be used to implement other functions in the mobility management entity (MME) except for session management. For example, lawful monitoring, or access authorization (or authentication) functions.

[0101] 4. SMF

[0102] The SMF is mainly used for session management, IP address allocation and management of the UE, selection of a manageable user plane function, a terminal point of a policy control or charging function interface, and downlink data notification. In the embodiments of the present application, the SMF is mainly responsible for session management in a mobile network, such as session establishment, modification, release, and the like. The specific functions may include, for example, allocating an IP address for the terminal device, selecting a UPF providing message forwarding functions, and the like.

[0103] 5. UPF

[0104] UPF is a data plane gateway. It can be used for packet routing and forwarding, or quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, etc. User data can be accessed to a data network (DN) through the network element. In the embodiments of the present application, the function of the user plane gateway can be implemented.

[0105] 6、Data Network (DN)

[0106] The DN is an operator network for providing data services for users. For example, a network of operator services, the Internet, a third-party service network, an IP multi-media service network, etc.

[0107] 7、Network Exposure Function (NEF)

[0108] The NEF is used to safely expose services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions to the outside.

[0109] 8、Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF)

[0110] The NRF is used to save the description information of network function entities and the services they provide, and to support service discovery, network element entity discovery, etc.

[0111] 9、PCF

[0112] The PCF is used to guide the unified policy framework of network behavior, and to provide policy rule information for control plane function network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.).

[0113] 10、UDM

[0114] The UDM is used to store user data, such as subscription information, authentication / authorization information, etc.

[0115] 11、Application Function (AF)

[0116] The AF is responsible for providing services to the 3GPP network, such as affecting service routing, interacting with the PCF for policy control, etc.

[0117] In the network architecture shown in FIG. 1, the network elements can communicate with each other through the interfaces shown in the figure. As shown, the N1 interface is the interface between the terminal device and the AMF; the N2 interface is the interface between the RAN and the AMF, used for sending non-access stratum (NAS) messages, etc.; the N3 interface is the interface between the RAN and the UPF, used for transmitting data of the user plane, etc.; the N4 interface is the interface between the SMF and the UPF, used for transmitting information such as tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data buffering indication information, and downlink data notification messages; and the N6 interface is the interface between the UPF and the DN, used for transmitting data of the user plane, etc.

[0118] It should be understood that the network architecture described above applied to the embodiments of the present application is only an example, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto, and any network architecture capable of realizing the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0119] For the convenience of understanding the embodiments of the present application, the terms involved in the present application are briefly explained.

[0120] 1, MBS

[0121] A data distribution / transmission manner, in which a network device can simultaneously distribute / transmit the same content to multiple terminal devices, and efficient utilization of NR resources can be achieved. The MBS can provide any one of the following MBS services: broadcast service, multicast service and unicast service. The broadcast service is an MBS service delivered through a broadcast manner, which means that the same MBS service data is simultaneously provided to all terminal devices in an MBS service area (all terminal devices in the MBS service area are authorized to receive the data); the multicast service is an MBS service delivered through a multicast manner, which means that the same MBS service data is simultaneously provided to a group of terminal devices (i.e., not all terminal devices in the MBS service area are authorized to receive the data). The network device delivers the broadcast service to the terminal device through a broadcast session, and the terminal device in the radio resource control (RRC) idle state, the RRC inactive state and the RRC connected state can receive the related broadcast service. The broadcast service only supports a point to multipoint (PTM) delivery mechanism and does not support a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). The network device delivers the multicast service to the terminal device through a multicast session, and the terminal device in the RRC connected state can receive the multicast service, using a point to point (PTP) and / or PTM delivery mechanism, and the HARQ can be applied to the PTP and PTM transmission. The unicast service is an MBS service delivered through a unicast manner, which means that the RAN without MBS support sends the MBS service data to the terminal device in a unicast manner.

[0122] 2. Multicast and broadcast session management function network element (MB-SMF)

[0123] The MB-SMF is an entity with support for broadcast characteristics. The MB-SMF can also have the functions of a unicast SMF at the same time. Specifically, the MB-SMF is responsible for: management of MBS sessions, including QoS control, etc.; configuration of multicast and broadcast UPF (MB-UPF); interaction with RAN to control broadcast flow transmission (broadcast session-specific functions); interaction with SMF to associate protocol data unit (PDU) sessions; and RAN interaction to control multicast flow transmission (multicast session-specific functions), etc.

[0124] 3. Multicast and broadcast service function (MBSF)

[0125] The MBSF mainly supports the following functions: service layer functions, interworking with LTE MBS, interaction with AF and MB-SMF to support operations of MBS sessions, determination of transmission parameters and types of MBS sessions, selection of MB-SMF, control of MBS TF, and determination of IP multicast addresses of senders, etc.

[0126] It should be understood that the network elements applied to the embodiments of the present application described above can be understood as network elements in a core network for implementing different functions, for example, can be combined into network slices as needed. These core network network elements can be independent devices respectively, or can be integrated into the same device to implement different functions, and the present application does not limit the specific form of the network elements.

[0127] It should also be understood that the naming of the network elements described above is only defined for the purpose of distinguishing different functions, and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in 5G networks and future other networks. For example, in future communication networks, part or all of the network elements described above can continue to use the terms in 5G, or other names, etc.

[0128] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 200 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0129] S201, the first core network element sends first information to the MBS client.

[0130] In the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the MBS client selects whether to access or access the MBS service. The MBS service is a multicast service or a broadcast service, which is not limited. Specifically, the MBS client determines whether to access or access the MBS service according to the current location and the service area of the MBS service.

[0131] It should be understood that the MBS client can refer to a terminal or a UE, and the MBS client is only an example, and the name does not limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0132] In a possible manner, the first core network element sends the first information to the MBS client based on the coverage area of the MBS service being an NTN coverage area. The coverage area of the MBS service can be an MBS service area, that is, a target area providing the MBS service.

[0133] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific manner in which the first core network element determines that the coverage area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area, and the following gives several possible implementation manners.

[0134] (1) The first core network element determines by itself that the coverage area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0135] (2) The first core network element receives second information from the second core network element, and determines that the coverage area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area according to the second information.

[0136] (3) The first core network element receives second information from the access network device, and determines that the coverage area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area according to the second information.

[0137] Optionally, the second information is indication information, for example, which can be referred to as a flag, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific name and form of the second information. The second information can be predefined by a protocol, and the first core network element sends the first information after receiving the second information.

[0138] Optionally, the second information indicates that the coverage area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area, and the first core network element determines that the coverage area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area according to the second information.

[0139] Optionally, the second information indicates that the first core network element sends the first information to the MBS client. Specifically, the second information can indicate that the first core network element generates the first information, that is, the second information indicates that the first core network element generates the first information containing the geographical position information corresponding to the MBS service area and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0140] Optionally, the first core network element includes any one of the following: an AF, and an MBSF.

[0141] Optionally, the second core network element includes any one of the following: an AF, an MBSF, an MB-SMF, an MB-UPF, and an NEF.

[0142] In a possible manner, the first information is an MBS service announcement. Specifically, in an MBS service establishment process, the first core network element sends the MBS service announcement to the MBS client in a form of unicast, multicast, broadcast, or the like, to notify the MBS client of specific service information of the MBS service, such as a service area of the MBS service, frequency point information, and the like.

[0143] In the first information sent by the first core network element to the MBS client, the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the corresponding relationship are included.

[0144] (1) Specifically, the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service is, for example, longitude and latitude coordinate information.

[0145] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application does not limit the specific form of the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, so that the MBS client can directly determine the actual coverage area of the MBS service.

[0146] (2) Specifically, the corresponding relationship is a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier (denoted as cell identifier) corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and a satellite cell identifier (denoted as satellite cell identifier) corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0147] The satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area of the MBS service.

[0148] Specifically, in an NTN network, the satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell covered by the NTN network, and the satellite cell identifier is broadcast by the access network device to the MBS client, that is, the satellite cell identifier can be an air interface cell identifier broadcast in the NTN satellite coverage range.

[0149] The cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, that is, the cell identifier corresponds to the cell indicated by the geographic location information.

[0150] Specifically, in the MBS service establishment process, the first core network element indicates the service area of the MBS service by carrying the cell identifier (for example, cellID / TA ID information) in the first information. The cell identifier is determined according to the geographic location information. Since the service area of the current MBS service is covered by the satellite NTN, the satellite cell identifier broadcast in the air interface may not be consistent with the cell identifier determined according to the geographic location information. Therefore, carrying the cell identifier in the first information is insufficient to enable the MBS client to determine the service area of the MBS service.

[0151] In addition, in the NTN network, the concept of mapped cell ID is introduced for cell identification. This is because the NTN air interface broadcast satellite cell range is too large, in order to reduce the impact on the existing ground network, the NTN access network device will map the NTN air interface broadcast satellite cell to the corresponding cell identification based on geographic location information, that is, mapped cell ID, that is, an actual NTN cell may be associated with one or more mapped cell IDs. For example, the UE is currently at location A, location A is within the coverage of NTN satellite broadcast cell #1, and the NTN access network device maps the current cell of the UE to mapped cell ID #11 according to location A, that is, the core network side can only perceive the cell identification, and cannot perceive the air interface broadcast satellite cell identification.

[0152] In the MBS service establishment process of the NTN scenario, the cell identification is mapped cell ID, and the satellite cell identification is obtained by the MBS client from the access network device. Due to the characteristics of the NTN scenario, the MBS client can only obtain the satellite cell information broadcast by the access network device, but the MBS client cannot determine the actual coverage area of the MBS service according to the satellite cell identification.

[0153] Therefore, the method provided by the embodiment of the present application carries the corresponding relationship between the cell identification and the satellite cell identification in the first information, so that the MBS client can confirm the actual coverage area of the MBS service.

[0154] For example, the geographic location corresponding to the NTN satellite cell is mapped to three more granular cells, corresponding to mapped cell ID #1, mapped cell ID #2 and mapped cell ID #3 respectively. When the cell identification is mapped cell ID #1 and the satellite cell identification is NTN cell identification, the corresponding relationship between the cell identification and the satellite cell identification is that the actual coverage area of the MBS service corresponds to mapped cell ID #1 in the NTN cell (marked as multicast broadcast service cell).

[0155] The following describes the acquisition method of the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0156] In the MBS service establishment process, the first core network element can obtain the geographic location information and / or cell identification (such as cell ID / TA ID information) corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0157] In one possible manner, the first core network element can obtain the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service according to the obtained cell identifier in the case that the first core network element obtains the cell identifier.

[0158] Exemplarily, the first core network element is pre-configured with the correspondence between the cell identifier and the geographical location information by the network management or the operator, i.e., the first core network element determines the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service by itself.

[0159] Optionally, the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the cell identifier are sent by the second core network element or by the access network device.

[0160] In one possible manner, the second core network element or the access network device can actively send the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the cell identifier to the first core network element; or, the second core network element or the access network device sends the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the cell identifier to the first core network element after discovering that the current MBS service area is covered by the NTN satellite; or, the second core network element or the access network device sends the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the cell identifier to the first core network element after receiving the request from the first core network element.

[0161] In another possible manner, the second core network element sends the indication information to the access network device, instructing the access network device to send the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the cell identifier to the first core network element.

[0162] The following introduces the acquisition manner of the correspondence.

[0163] (1) In the MBS service establishment process, the first core network element obtains the satellite cell identifier from the access network device, which corresponds to the geographical area corresponding to the cell identifier, i.e., the first core network element receives the correspondence from the access network device.

[0164] (2) The access network device sends the correspondence to the first core network element. Optionally, the access network device determines the correspondence between the satellite cell identifier and the cell identifier according to the MBS service area.

[0165] Exemplarily, the access network device determines the identification information of the satellite cell covering the MBS service area within a specified time according to the MBS service area, the duration of the MBS service and the ephemeris information, thereby determining the satellite cell identifier corresponding to the cell identifier in the MBS service area, and obtaining the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0166] In a possible manner, the access network device can actively send the satellite cell identifier and / or the corresponding relationship to the first core network element; or, after receiving a request from the first core network element, the access network device sends the satellite cell identifier and / or the corresponding relationship to the first core network element.

[0167] In another possible manner, the access network device receives indication information from the second core network element, indicating that the access network device reports the satellite cell identifier and / or the corresponding relationship, i.e., sends the satellite cell identifier and / or the corresponding relationship to the first core network element.

[0168] S202, the MBS client determines the service area of the MBS service based on the first information.

[0169] In a possible manner, the first information includes geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, for example, latitude and longitude coordinate information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, and the MBS client can confirm the actual service area of the MBS service through the first information.

[0170] In another possible manner, the first information includes a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, and the MBS client can confirm the cell (referred to as a multicast broadcast service cell) corresponding to the service area of the MBS service through the corresponding relationship. That is, the MBS client can determine whether the cell corresponding to the current satellite cell is within the service area of the MBS service according to the satellite cell broadcasted over the air interface.

[0171] Optionally, the MBS client receives third information; or, the first information further includes the third information, and the method provided by the embodiments of the present application does not limit the specific sending manner of the third information. Optionally, the third information indicates the location of the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the corresponding relationship in the signaling.

[0172] For example, the third information indicates that the MBS client receives the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and / or the corresponding relationship in the broadcast message (for example, SIB broadcast message) of the access network device, for determining whether to access or access the MBS service. The broadcast information of the access network device is used for the MBS client to determine the service area of the MBS service (or used for the MBS client to determine whether the position where the MBS client is located is within the service area of the MBS service).

[0173] Optionally, the third information is used to indicate that the MBS client determines whether to access or access the MBS service according to the broadcast message of the NTN satellite cell.

[0174] S203, the MBS client determines whether to access or access the MBS service according to the service area of the MBS service.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the first information includes geographical location information corresponding to a service area of the MBS service, and the MBS client can determine whether to access or join the MBS service according to geographical location information of the MBS client and an actual service area of the MBS service.

[0176] For example, the MBS client determines the geographical location information of the MBS client based on a positioning capability of the MBS client, and compares the geographical location information of the MBS client with geographical location information corresponding to a service area of the MBS service, to determine whether the MBS client is in the service area of the MBS service, and to determine whether to access or join the MBS service.

[0177] In another possible implementation, the first information includes a correspondence between a cell identifier and a satellite cell identifier, and the MBS client determines a range of a service area of the MBS service according to the correspondence, and determines whether to access or join the MBS service according to whether the MBS client is in the range of the service area of the MBS service.

[0178] Optionally, the MBS client determines the location of the MBS client according to geographical location information obtained by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

[0179] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application does not limit the specific manner in which the MBS client determines the area in which the MBS client is located.

[0180] The possible flow of the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. It should be noted that the network elements involved below, such as AF, NEF, MBSF, MB-SMF, and the like, are only examples, and the names thereof do not limit the protection scope of the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility that other names are used to replace the above-mentioned names in future protocols to achieve the same or similar functions. Similarly, the access network device is taken as an example of gNB, and the name thereof does not limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0181] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0182] S301, the AF sends first information #1 to the NEF.

[0183] In a possible implementation, the first information #1 includes a cell identifier and / or tracking area (TA) information, where the cell identifier or TA information is used to represent a service area of the MBS service.

[0184] In this case, the NEF can derive the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service according to the cell identifier and / or the TA information, wherein the NEF side understands the satellite and ground network coverage of the current network according to network management or operator local configuration, that is, the NEF can determine that the current MBS service service area is a satellite NTN coverage area according to the first information #1, and thus determine the corresponding geographic location information.

[0185] In another possible implementation, the first information #1 includes the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service; or the first information #1 includes the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service and the cell identifier.

[0186] Optionally, the first information #1 is carried in the MBS service establishment / update request message sent by the AF.

[0187] S302, the NEF determines that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0188] Specifically, in the case where the NEF determines that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area, the subsequent steps are performed.

[0189] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application does not limit the specific manner of the NEF determining whether the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area. For example, the NEF determines that the area corresponding to the cell is an NTN coverage area based on network management or operator configuration, and thus determines the geographic location information corresponding to the MBS service area.

[0190] S303, the NEF sends second information #1 to the MBSF.

[0191] The NEF sends the second information #1 to the MBSF, and the second information #1 indicates that the MBSF generates an MBS service announcement (an example of the first information) carrying the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0192] Specifically, the second information #1 includes the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service. Wherein, the NEF determines the geographic location information corresponding to the MBS service area according to that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area, and sends it to the MBSF, that is, the second information #1.

[0193] Optionally, the second information #1 also includes the cell identifier.

[0194] Optionally, the second information #1 is carried in the MBS service establishment / update request message sent by the NEF to the MBSF.

[0195] S304, the MBSF sends third information #1 to the MB-SMF.

[0196] Specifically, the third information #1 includes geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, and the third information #1 indicates that the MBS-SMF establishes or updates an MBS session carrying the MBS service.

[0197] Optionally, the third information #1 further includes a cell identifier.

[0198] S305, the MBSF determines the first information.

[0199] Specifically, according to the second information #1, the MBSF generates an MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0200] Steps S305 and S304 do not have a specific execution order.

[0201] Optionally, the MBSF receives the second information from the NEF, or the second information #1 further includes the second information. The specific form and specific transmission mode of the second information in the method provided in the embodiments of the present application are not limited. According to the second information, the MBSF generates an MBS service announcement carrying geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0202] S306, the MBSF sends the first information to the MBS client.

[0203] Optionally, the MBSF can send the first information to the MBS client in the following ways: in a unicast manner, in a multicast manner, or in a broadcast manner. The method provided in the embodiments of the present application does not limit this.

[0204] Optionally, the first information further includes third information, or the MBSF further sends the third information to the MBS client. The third information indicates the position of the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service in the signaling.

[0205] For example, the third information indicates that the MBS client receives the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service in the broadcast information of the access network device, or the third information is used to indicate whether the MBS client can access or access the multicast broadcast service based on the broadcast message of the access network device, that is, the third information is used to indicate whether the MBS client is within the service area range of the multicast broadcast service based on the broadcast message of the access network device.

[0206] S307, the MBS client receives the first information.

[0207] Specifically, the MBS client acquires the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service in the first information.

[0208] In a possible implementation, according to the indication of the third information, the MBS client receives the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service in the broadcast information of the access network device; or, determines whether the multicast broadcast service can be accessed or accessed based on the broadcast message of the access network device; or determines whether the MBS client is within the service area of the multicast broadcast service based on the broadcast message of the access network device.

[0209] In another possible implementation, based on the current satellite access state, the MBS client actively determines whether the multicast broadcast service can be accessed or accessed based on the broadcast message of the access network device.

[0210] Optionally, the MBS client confirms the location where the MBS client is located according to the location information acquired by the GNSS, and confirms whether the MBS service is accessed or accessed in combination with the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0211] By adopting the communication method 300, the MBSF sends the MBS service announcement carrying the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service to the MBS client, so as to ensure that the MBS client can access or access the multicast broadcast service within the specified MBS actual coverage area.

[0212] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided by an embodiment of the application.

[0213] The content in S401-S402 can refer to the content in S301-S302, which will not be repeated here.

[0214] S403, the NEF sends second information #1 to the MB-SMF.

[0215] Specifically, the second information #1 includes the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, and the second information #1 indicates that the MBS-SMF establishes or updates the MBS session carrying the MBS service.

[0216] Optionally, the second information #1 further includes a cell identifier.

[0217] S404, the NEF sends third information #1 to the AF.

[0218] Steps S403 and S404 do not have a strict time sequence.

[0219] The NEF sends third information #1 to the AF, where the third information #1 indicates the AF to generate an MBS service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, i.e., indicates the AF to generate an MBS ServiceAnnouncement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service or indicates the AF to identify the service area of the MBS service with geographical location information when generating the MBS ServiceAnnouncement. Specifically, after determining that the service area of the current MBS service is an NTN satellite network coverage, the NEF sends the third information #1 to the AF to indicate the AF to generate an MBS Service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0220] Optionally, the third information #1 includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0221] Optionally, the third information #1 further includes a cell identifier.

[0222] Optionally, the third information #1 further includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate that the coverage area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0223] Optionally, the third information #1 is carried in a reply message of the MBS service session establishment sent by the NEF to the AF.

[0224] S405, the AF determines the first information.

[0225] Specifically, according to the third information #1, the AF generates an MBS service announcement, where the MBS service announcement includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0226] Optionally, the AF receives second information from the NEF, or the third information #1 further includes the second information. The specific form and specific transmission manner of the second information in the method provided in the embodiments of the present application are not limited. According to the second information, the AF generates an MBS service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0227] S406, the AF sends the first information to the MBS client.

[0228] Optionally, the AF can send the first information to the MBS client in the following ways: in a unicast manner, in a multicast manner, or in a broadcast manner. The method provided in the embodiments of the present application is not limited in this regard.

[0229] Optionally, the first information further comprises third information, or the MBSF further sends the third information to the MBS client. The third information indicates a position of the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service in the signaling.

[0230] The content in S407 can refer to the content in S307, which will not be repeated here.

[0231] By adopting the communication method 400, the NEF judges that the current service area is an NTN coverage area, instructs the AF to send the MBS service announcement carrying the geographic location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service to the MBS client, enhances the MBS service announcement generation process while ensuring that the MBS client can access or access the multicast broadcast service within the specified MBS actual coverage area, and makes the communication process more flexible and efficient.

[0232] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided by an embodiment of the application.

[0233] The content in S501 can refer to the content in S301, which will not be repeated here.

[0234] In S502, the NEF sends second information #1 to the MBSF, or the NEF sends the second information #1 to the MB-SMF.

[0235] In S502-1, the NEF sends the second information #1 to the MBSF, and the second information #1 instructs the MBSF to perform MBS service establishment / update and instructs the MBSF to send an MBS session establishment / update request message to the MB-SMF. The MBS session establishment / update request message is used to establish or update an MBS session carrying the MBS service.

[0236] In S502-2, the NEF sends the second information #1 to the MB-SMF, and the second information #1 instructs the MB-SMF to perform MBS session establishment / update.

[0237] Specifically, the second information #1 comprises the service area of the MBS service.

[0238] Optionally, the service area of the MBS service is a cell identifier and / or TA information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0239] In S503, the MB-SMF sends third information #1 to the gNB.

[0240] Specifically, the third information #1 comprises the service area of the MBS service, and the third information #1 instructs the gNB to perform MBS broadcast context establishment or modification.

[0241] Optionally, the service area of the MBS service is a cell identity and / or TA information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0242] S504, the gNB determines that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0243] Specifically, in the case where the gNB determines that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area, S505 is performed.

[0244] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application does not limit the specific manner of the gNB determining whether the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0245] S505, the gNB sends fourth information #1 to the MB-SMF.

[0246] Specifically, the fourth information #1 includes the second information, and the fourth information #1 indicates that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area; or the fourth information #1 is used to instruct the core network to generate the first information carrying the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0247] Optionally, the fourth information #1 further includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service. For example, the gNB determines the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service according to the cell identity and / or TA information in the service area of the MBS service.

[0248] Optionally, the fourth information #1 further includes the cell identity.

[0249] S506, the MB-SMF sends fifth information #1 to the MBSF; or the MB-SMF sends the fifth information #1 to the NEF.

[0250] S506-1, the MB-SMF sends the fifth information #1 to the MBSF, the fifth information #1 instructs the MBSF to generate the MBS service announcement carrying the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, or the fifth information #1 is used to indicate that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0251] Optionally, the fifth information #1 includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0252] Optionally, the fifth information #1 further includes the cell identity.

[0253] S506-2, the MB-SMF sends fifth information #1 to the NEF, the fifth information #1 indicates that the NEF sends indication information to the AF, instructing the AF to generate an MBS service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, or the fifth information #1 is used to indicate that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0254] Optionally, the fifth information #1 includes geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0255] Optionally, the fifth information #1 further includes a cell identifier.

[0256] In the case where S506-2 is performed, the method 500 further includes S507.

[0257] S507, the NEF sends sixth information #1 to the AF.

[0258] Specifically, the sixth information #1 instructs the AF to generate an MBS service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, or the sixth information #1 is used to indicate that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area. That is, instructing the AF to generate an MBS Service Announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, or instructing the AF to identify the service area of the MBS service with geographical location information when generating the MBS Service Announcement. Specifically, the NEF sends the sixth information #1 to the AF after determining that the service area of the current MBS service is an NTN satellite network coverage, and the sixth information #1 is used to instruct the AF to generate an MBS Service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0259] Optionally, the sixth information #1 further includes geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0260] Optionally, the sixth information #1 further includes a cell identifier.

[0261] S508, the MBSF determines the first information; or the AF determines the first information.

[0262] S508-1, the MBSF determines the first information.

[0263] Specifically, according to the fifth information #1 in S506-1, the MBSF generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service. Alternatively, according to the fifth information #1 in S506-1, the MBSF determines that the service area of the current MBS service is an NTN coverage area, and accordingly acquires the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0264] S508-2, the AF determines the first information.

[0265] Specifically, according to the sixth information #1, the AF generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service. Alternatively, according to the sixth information #1, the AF determines that the service area of the current MBS service is an NTN coverage area, and generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0266] S509, the MBSF sends the first information to the MBS client, or the AF sends the first information to the MBS client.

[0267] Optionally, the MBSF / AF can send the first information to the MBS client in the following ways: in a unicast manner, in a multicast manner, or in a broadcast manner. The method provided in the embodiments of the present application does not limit this.

[0268] Optionally, the first information further includes third information, or the MBSF / AF further sends the third information to the MBS client. The third information indicates the location of the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service in the signaling.

[0269] The content in S510 can refer to the content in S307, which will not be repeated here.

[0270] By adopting the communication method 500, the gNB determines that the current service area is an NTN coverage area, the MBSF / AF sends the MBS service announcement carrying the geographical position information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service to the MBS client, and enhances the MBS service announcement generation process, so that the communication process is more flexible and efficient while ensuring that the MBS client can access or access the multicast broadcast service in the specified MBS actual coverage area.

[0271] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0272] The content in S601 can refer to the content in S301, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] In S602, the NEF determines that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0274] The method provided by the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific way of determining whether the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area by the NEF.

[0275] S602 is an optional step.

[0276] The content in S603 can refer to the content in S502, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] When S602 is not executed, the method 600 further includes S604.

[0278] In S604, the MB-SMF determines that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area.

[0279] The method provided by the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific way of determining whether the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area by the MB-SMF.

[0280] In S605, the MB-SMF sends third information #1 to the gNB.

[0281] Specifically, in the case where S602 is executed or in the case where S604 is executed, the MB-SMF sends the third information #1 to the gNB, the third information #1 indicating that the gNB reports the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier; or the third information #1 indicating that the gNB reports the satellite cell identifier. Specifically, after determining that the service area of the current MBS service is an NTN satellite network coverage, the MB-SMF sends the third information #1 to the gNB.

[0282] Optionally, the third information #1 includes second information, and the second information indicates that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area; or the second information indicates that the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier needs to be carried in the MBS service announcement generated by the core network.

[0283] Optionally, the third information #1 further includes the service area of the MBS service.

[0284] Optionally, the service area of the MBS service includes the cell identifier and / or the TA information.

[0285] S606, the gNB sends fourth information #1 to the MB-SMF.

[0286] Specifically, the fourth information #1 includes the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier; or the fourth information #1 includes the satellite cell identifier.

[0287] Optionally, if the third information #1 sent by the MB-SMF to the gNB in S605 is the service area of the MBS service, the gNB can determine that the MBS service is covered by the NTN network according to the service area of the MBS service, so as to trigger the gNB to report the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0288] S607, the MB-SMF sends fifth information #1 to the MBSF; or the MB-SMF sends the fifth information #1 to the NEF.

[0289] S607-1, the MB-SMF sends the fifth information #1 to the MBSF, and the fifth information #1 indicates that the MBSF generates the MBS service announcement carrying the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0290] S607-2, the MB-SMF sends the fifth information #1 to the NEF, and the fifth information #1 indicates that the NEF sends indication information to the AF, instructing the AF to generate the MBS service announcement carrying the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0291] In one possible manner, the fifth information #1 includes the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0292] In another possible manner, the fifth information #1 includes the satellite cell identifier.

[0293] Optionally, the fifth information #1 further includes second information, the second information indicates that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area; or the second information indicates that the MBS service announcement generated by the core network needs to carry the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0294] In the case where S607-2 is performed, the method 600 further includes S608.

[0295] S608, the NEF sends sixth information #1 to the AF.

[0296] Specifically, the sixth information #1 indicates that the AF generates the MBS service announcement carrying the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0297] In one possible manner, the sixth information #1 includes the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0298] In another possible manner, the sixth information #1 includes the satellite cell identifier.

[0299] Optionally, the sixth information #1 further includes second information, the second information indicates that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area; or the second information indicates that the MBS service announcement generated by the core network needs to carry the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0300] S609, the MBSF determines the first information; or the AF determines the first information.

[0301] S609-1, the MBSF determines the first information.

[0302] Specifically, according to the fifth information #1 in S607-1, the MBSF generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier. Or according to the fifth information #1 in S607-1, the MBSF determines that the service area of the current MBS service is an NTN coverage area, and accordingly obtains the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier and / or the satellite cell identifier, generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0303] S609-2, the AF determines the first information.

[0304] Specifically, according to the sixth information #1, the AF generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier. Or according to the sixth information #1, the AF determines that the service area of the current MBS service is the NTN coverage area, generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0305] In a possible manner, the MBSF / AF acquires the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier; or the MBSF / AF acquires the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier.

[0306] In another possible manner, the MBSF or the AF acquires the satellite cell identifier. In this case, the MBSF or the AF derives the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier by itself in combination with the cell identifier.

[0307] In S610, the MBSF sends the first information to the MBS client; or the AF sends the first information to the MBS client.

[0308] The content in S610 can refer to the content in S509, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] The content in S611 can refer to the content in S307, which will not be repeated here.

[0310] By adopting the communication method 600, the NEF or the MB-SMF determines that the current service area is the NTN coverage area, instructs the MBSF or the AF to send the MBS service announcement carrying the correspondence between the cell identifier and the satellite cell identifier to the MBS client, enhances the MBS service announcement generation process while ensuring that the MBS client can access or access the multicast broadcast service in the specified MBS actual coverage area, and makes the communication process more flexible and efficient.

[0311] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 provided by an embodiment of the application.

[0312] In S701, the AF determines that the service area of the MBS service is the NTN coverage area.

[0313] The method provided by the embodiment of the application does not limit the specific manner in which the AF determines whether the service area of the MBS service is the NTN coverage area.

[0314] S702, the AF sends first information #1 to the MBSF.

[0315] Specifically, the first information #1 is used to request the MBSF to perform MBS service establishment / update.

[0316] Optionally, the first information #1 includes geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0317] Optionally, the first information #1 further includes a cell identifier.

[0318] Optionally, the first information #1 indicates that the MBSF generates an MBS service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0319] S703, the MBSF sends second information #1 to the MB-SMF.

[0320] Specifically, the second information #1 is used to request the MBS-SMF to perform MBS session establishment / update.

[0321] Optionally, the second information #1 includes geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0322] Optionally, the second information #1 further includes a cell identifier.

[0323] When the first information #1 indicates that the MBSF generates an MBS service announcement carrying geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, the method 700 further includes S704.

[0324] S704, the MBSF determines the first information.

[0325] Specifically, according to the first information #1, the MBSF generates an MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0326] Optionally, the MBSF receives second information from the AF, or the second information is also included in the first information #1. The specific form and specific transmission manner of the second information are not limited in the method provided by the embodiments of the application. According to the second information, the MBSF generates the MBS service announcement carrying the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service. Alternatively, according to the second information, the MBSF determines that the service area of the current MBS service is an NTN coverage area, and accordingly acquires the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service, and generates the MBS service announcement carrying the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0327] S705, the AF determines the first information.

[0328] Specifically, in the case that the AF determines by itself that the service area of the MBS service is an NTN coverage area, the AF generates the MBS service announcement, and the MBS service announcement includes the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service.

[0329] S704 and S705 are optional steps, and any one of the steps can be performed.

[0330] S706, the MBSF sends the first information to the MBS client, or the AF sends the first information to the MBS client.

[0331] The content in S706 can refer to the content in S509, which will not be described here.

[0332] The content in S707 can refer to the content in S307, which will not be described here.

[0333] By adopting the communication method 700, the AF determines that the current service area is an NTN coverage area, the MBSF / AF sends the MBS service announcement carrying the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the MBS service to the MBS client, and the generation process of the MBS service announcement is enhanced, so that the communication process is more flexible and efficient.

[0334] Fig. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 800 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 800 comprises a transceiver 810. The transceiver 810 can be configured to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver 810 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. Optionally, the apparatus 800 further comprises a processing unit 820. The processing unit 820 can be configured to implement processing operations.

[0335] Optionally, the apparatus 800 can further comprise a storage unit. The storage unit can be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 820 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the apparatus implements the foregoing method embodiments.

[0336] In a first possible design, the apparatus 800 is a first core network element, which can be, for example, an application function network element or a multicast broadcast service function network element in the foregoing embodiments, or a component (e.g., a chip) of the first core network element. The transceiver and the processing unit can be configured to implement related operations of the first core network element.

[0337] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 810 is configured to obtain geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a cell identifier; and the processing unit 820 is configured to determine first information, the first information comprising the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship, the corresponding relationship indicating a corresponding relationship between the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0338] The transceiver 810 is further configured to send the first information to a terminal.

[0339] Optionally, in a case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area, the transceiver 810 sends the first information to the terminal.

[0340] Optionally, the processing unit 820 determines by itself that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0341] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive second information, and send the first information to the terminal based on the second information.

[0342] Optionally, the second information indicates that the first core network element sends the first information to the terminal; or the second information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area; or the second information indicates that the first core network element generates the first information.

[0343] Optionally, the transceiver 810 receives the second information from the second core network element; or the transceiver 810 receives the second information from the access network device.

[0344] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to send third information, the third information indicating whether the terminal determines to access or not to access the multicast broadcast service according to the broadcast information of the access network device, wherein the broadcast information of the access network device is used by the terminal to determine the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0345] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive the cell identity corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, and the processing unit 820 is further configured to determine the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service according to the cell identity corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0346] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive the geographical location information of the service area of the multicast broadcast service from the second core network element or the access network device.

[0347] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive the satellite cell identity corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service from the access network device, and the processing unit 820 is further configured to derive the corresponding relationship according to the satellite cell identity corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and the cell identity corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0348] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive the corresponding relationship from the access network device.

[0349] Optionally, the first core network element is any one of the following: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element.

[0350] Optionally, the second core network element is any one of the following: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element, a multicast broadcast session management network element, a network exposure network element.

[0351] The second possible design is that the apparatus 800 is a network exposure network element, and can also be a component (such as a chip) of the network exposure network element. The transceiver and the processing unit can be used to implement related operations of the network exposure network element.

[0352] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 810 is configured to send, to a first core network element, first information, where the first information is used to instruct the first core network element to generate second information, and the second information includes geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship, and the corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0353] Optionally, in a case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area, the transceiver 810 is configured to send, to the first core network element, the first information.

[0354] Optionally, the first information is used to instruct the first core network element to send, to a terminal, the second information, or the first information is used to indicate that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0355] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to send, to the first core network element, the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0356] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to send, to the access network device, third information, where the third information is used to instruct the access network device to send, to the first core network element, the satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0357] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to obtain the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the cell identifier.

[0358] In a third possible design, the apparatus 800 is an access network device, or a component (for example, a chip) of the access network device. The transceiver and the processing unit can be used to implement related operations of the access network device.

[0359] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 810 is configured to send, to a first core network element, first information, where the first information is used to instruct the first core network element to generate second information, and the second information includes geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship, and the corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0360] Optionally, in a case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area, the transceiver 810 sends first information to the first core network element.

[0361] Optionally, the first information indicates that the first core network element sends second information to the terminal; or the first information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0362] Optionally, the processing unit 820 is configured to determine that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area; or the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive third information from the second core network element, the third information indicating that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

[0363] The transceiver 810 is further configured to obtain, from the second core network element, geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0364] The transceiver 810 is further configured to receive fourth information from the first core network element, the fourth information being used to obtain the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

[0365] According to the fourth information, the transceiver 810 is further configured to send one or more of the following to the first core network element: the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, and the corresponding relationship.

[0366] Optionally, the first core network element is any one of the following: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element.

[0367] Optionally, the second core network element is any one of the following: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element, a multicast broadcast session management network element, and a network exposure network element.

[0368] The fourth possible design is that the apparatus 800 is a terminal (or referred to as an MBS client), or a component (such as a chip) of the terminal. The transceiver and the processing unit can be used to implement related operations of the terminal.

[0369] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 810 is configured to receive first information, the first information comprising geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship; wherein the corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

[0370] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive second information, the second information indicating whether the processing unit 820 determines to access or access the multicast broadcast service according to broadcast information of the access network device; and the processing unit 820 determines the service area of the multicast broadcast service according to the broadcast information of the access network device.

[0371] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus 900 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 900 includes a processor 910 and a memory 920 coupled to the processor 910, the memory 920 being configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data, and the processor 910 being configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 920 or read the data stored in the memory 920, to perform the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0372] Optionally, the processor 910 is one or more.

[0373] Optionally, the memory 920 is one or more.

[0374] Optionally, the memory 920 and the processor 910 are integrated together or separately arranged.

[0375] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 9, the apparatus 900 further includes a transceiver 930 configured to receive and / or send signals. For example, the processor 910 is configured to control the transceiver 930 to receive and / or send signals.

[0376] As an option, the apparatus 900 is configured to implement operations performed by a communication apparatus in the above method embodiments.

[0377] For example, the processor 910 is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 920, to implement the related operations of a terminal device or a network device in the above method embodiments.

[0378] It should be appreciated that a processor as mentioned in this application can be any known or future developed processor, and more particularly, any custom made or commercially available processor series (or any other processor orders) from any manufacturer.

[0379] It should also be appreciated that a memory as mentioned in this application can be any known or future developed memory, and more particularly, a memory unit of any type including, but not limited to, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, or the like. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which can be implemented at any appropriate technology, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, ESDRAM, SLDRAM, and / or RDRAM. In an embodiment, a RAM can be utilized as external cache memory.

[0380] It should be noted that when the processor is a general processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a FPGA or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated in the processor.

[0381] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable type of memory.

[0382] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 1000 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1010 and an input / output interface 1020.

[0383] The logic circuit 1010 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1000. The logic circuit 1010 can be coupled to a storage unit, and invoke instructions in the storage unit, so that the chip system 1000 can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. The input / output interface 1020 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1000, and output information processed by the chip system 1000, or input data or signaling information to be processed by the chip system 1000.

[0384] As an option, the chip system 1000 is configured to implement operations performed by a communication apparatus (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0385] For example, the logic circuit 1010 is configured to implement processing-related operations performed by a communication apparatus (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments; and the input / output interface 1020 is configured to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by a communication apparatus (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0386] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, having stored thereon computer instructions for implementing the method performed by a communication apparatus (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0387] For example, the computer program, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method performed by a communication apparatus (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0388] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, containing instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the method performed by a communication apparatus (e.g., a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0389] The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system, including the terminal device and / or the network device in the above embodiments.

[0390] The explanations and beneficial effects of the related contents in any of the above apparatuses can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0391] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method can be implemented by other manners. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are only illustrative, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units or components shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0392] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server or a network device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (such as DVD), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disk (SSD) and the like. For example, the foregoing available media includes but is not limited to: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and various media that can store program codes.

[0393] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The first core network element acquires geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or cell identifiers; The first core network element determines first information, the first information comprising geographical location information corresponding to a service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship, the corresponding relationship indicating a corresponding relationship between cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and satellite cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; The satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; The first core network element sends the first information to a terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first core network element sends the first information to a terminal, comprising: In a case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is a non-terrestrial network (NTN) coverage area, the first core network element sends the first information to the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first core network element sends the first information to a terminal, comprising: The first core network element sends the first information to the terminal based on second information, wherein the second information indicates that the first core network element sends the first information to the terminal; or the second information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The method further comprises: The first core network element determines the second information by judging whether the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area by itself; or The first core network element receives the second information from a second core network element or the access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first core network element sends third information, the third information being used to indicate whether the terminal accesses or accesses the multicast broadcast service according to broadcast information of the access network device, the broadcast information of the access network device being used by the terminal to determine the service area of the multicast broadcast service.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first core network element acquires cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, and determines geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service according to the cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; or The first core network element receives geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service from a second core network element or the access network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first core network element acquires satellite cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service from the access network device, and derives the corresponding relationship according to the satellite cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and the cell identifiers corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; or The first core network element acquires the corresponding relationship from the access network device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The first core network element is any one of the following: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element.

9. The method of any of claims 4-8, wherein the second core network element is any of: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element, a multicast broadcast session management network element, a network exposure network element. The method comprises:

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: sending, to a first core network element, first information indicating the first core network element to generate second information comprising geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship; wherein the corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; the satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The sending, to a first core network element, first information comprises:

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, in a case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area, sending the first information to the first core network element. The sending, to a first core network element, first information comprises:

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, the first information indicates that the first core network element sends the second information to a terminal; or the first information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area. The method further comprises:

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, sending, to the first core network element, the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The method further comprises:

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, sending, to the access network device, third information indicating that the access network device sends, to the first core network element, the satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship. The method further comprises:

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, obtaining the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the cell identifier. The method comprises:

16. A method of communication, comprising: an access network device sending, to a first core network element, first information for indicating the first core network element to send second information comprising geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship; wherein the corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; the satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The access network device sending, to a first core network element, first information comprises:

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, in a case where the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area, the access network device sends the first information to the first core network element. The access network device sending, to a first core network element, first information comprises:

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein, ​ The first information indicates that the first core network element sends the second information to a terminal; or the first information indicates that a service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The method further includes: The access network device determines by itself that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area; or The access network device receives third information from a second core network element, and the third information indicates that the service area of the multicast broadcast service is an NTN coverage area.

20. The method of any one of claims 16-19, wherein, The method further includes: The access network device obtains geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service from a second core network element.

21. The method of any one of claims 16-20, wherein, The method further includes: The access network device receives fourth information from the first core network element, and the fourth information is used to obtain the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and / or the corresponding relationship.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The method further includes: According to the fourth information, the access network device sends one or more of the following to the first core network element: The geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, the cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, the satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service, and the corresponding relationship.

23. The method of any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that The first core network element is any one of the following: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element.

24. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that The second core network element is any one of the following: an application function network element, a multicast broadcast service function network element, a multicast broadcast session management network element, and a network exposure network element.

25. A method of communication, comprising: The method includes: A terminal receives first information, and the first information includes geographical location information corresponding to a service area of a multicast broadcast service and / or a corresponding relationship; The corresponding relationship indicates a corresponding relationship between a cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service and a satellite cell identifier corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service; The satellite cell identifier is used to identify a satellite cell broadcast by an access network device covering the service area, and the cell identifier is used to identify a cell corresponding to the geographical location information corresponding to the service area of the multicast broadcast service. The terminal determines whether to access or access the multicast broadcast service according to the first information.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal receives second information, and the second information indicates that the terminal determines whether to access or access the multicast broadcast service according to broadcast information of the access network device; The terminal determines the service area of the multicast broadcast service according to the broadcast information of the access network device.

27. A communications device, characterized by includes: Units for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or units for performing the method of any one of claims 10 to 15, or units for performing the method of any one of claims 16 to 24, or units for performing the method of claim 25 or 26.

28. A processing device, comprising: comprising: a processor; the processor is configured to execute a computer program to cause the processing device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or to cause the processing device to perform the method of any one of claims 10 to 15, or to cause the processing device to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 24, or to cause the processing device to perform the method of claim 25 or 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising: comprising: the computer readable storage medium has stored thereon a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or to perform the method of any one of claims 10 to 15, or to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 24, or to perform the method of claim 25 or 26.

30. A computer program product, characterised in that, the computer program product comprises instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or comprises instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 10 to 15, or comprises instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 16 to 24, or comprises instructions for performing the method of claim 25 or 26, when run on a processor.

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