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

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending first information to a second network device, wherein a first access network device is mobile, and the first information is used for determining transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device. The method of the present disclosure ensures the continuity of communication in mobile communication scenarios, and improves the communication efficiency and the communication stability.

Description

Communication methods and devices, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods and apparatus, communication equipment, communication systems, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, mobile communication scenarios are common. For example, there are mobile nodes that can communicate with fixed nodes through relay nodes. Because mobile nodes move, they will communicate with fixed nodes through different relay nodes at different times and locations. For instance, a mobile node may communicate with a fixed node through the nearest relay node at different locations.

[0003] However, when a mobile node communicates with a fixed node through different relay nodes during its movement, the transmission network layer between the mobile node and the different relay nodes will change. At this time, how the fixed node knows the transmission network layer between the mobile node and the different relay nodes in order to achieve communication continuity during the movement of the mobile node is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure proposes communication methods and apparatus, communication equipment, communication systems, and storage media.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a first access network device, the method comprising:

[0007] Send first information to the second network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a second network device, the method comprising:

[0009] The system receives first information sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is mobile, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided for a communication system, the communication system including a first access network device and a second network device; the method includes:

[0011] The first access network device sends first information to the second network device; wherein, the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0012] The second network device receives the first information sent by the first access network device.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a first access network device is provided, comprising:

[0014] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the second network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a second network device is provided, comprising:

[0016] The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0018] One or more processors;

[0019] The processor is configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to execute any of the communication methods described in the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0020] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, characterized in that it includes a first access network device and a second network device, wherein the first access network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the second network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0021] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first to second aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the communication system between the first access network device and the second network device when the first access network device is an access network device on a satellite, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the transparent transmission mode between the first access network device and the second network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the regeneration mode between a first access network device and a second network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a regenerable satellite with ISL and a gNB for processing payloads according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the architecture for a regenerable satellite and gNB to process payloads according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0029] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first access network device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This disclosure provides embodiments of communication methods and apparatus, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media.

[0040] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first access network device, the method comprising:

[0041] Send first information to the second network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0042] In the above embodiments, a mobile first access network device sends first information to a second network device it communicates with. This first information can be used to determine the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device. Therefore, in the method provided by this disclosure, if the transport network layer information between the first access network device and the second network device changes due to the mobility of the first access network device and / or gateway switching, the second network device can determine the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device based on the first information sent by the first access network device. It can then implement communication between the first access network device and the second network device based on the determined transport network layer information. Thus, even if the transport network layer information between the second network device and the mobile first access network device changes, successful communication between the second network device and the first access network device can be ensured, guaranteeing communication continuity in mobile communication scenarios and improving communication efficiency and stability.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second network device is a second access network device or a core network device.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the transport network layer information includes at least one of the following:

[0045] Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device;

[0046] The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0047] Routing information;

[0048] Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device

[0049] Location information of the first access network device;

[0050] Effective usage time;

[0051] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the second network device includes:

[0053] The first information is sent to the second network device through the first gateway or the second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0055] First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0056] Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0057] The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0059] Before sending the first information to the second network device, the first transport network layer information is sent to the second network device. The first transport network layer information is used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0060] The device receives a first feedback message sent by the second network device, which indicates that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0062] Receive second feedback information sent by the second network device, the second feedback information being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway;

[0063] Based on the second transport network layer information, the second gateway communicates with the second network device.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following:

[0065] Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway;

[0066] The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information differ from at least one of the following:

[0068] Different IP address information;

[0069] The transmission relationships are different;

[0070] Different routing information;

[0071] TEID is different.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0073] The third feedback information sent by the second network device is received, which is used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway;

[0074] Based on the information of the third transport network layer, the second network device communicates with the third network device through the third gateway.

[0075] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a second network device, the method comprising:

[0076] The system receives first information sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is mobile, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second network device is a second access network device or a core network device.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the transport network layer information includes at least one of the following:

[0079] Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device;

[0080] The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0081] Routing information;

[0082] Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device

[0083] Location information of the first access network device;

[0084] Effective usage time;

[0085] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the first access network device includes:

[0087] The system receives first information sent by the first access network device through a first gateway or a second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0089] First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0090] Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0091] The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0093] Before receiving the first information sent by the first access network device, the second network device receives the first transmission network layer information sent by the first access network device. The first transmission network layer information is used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0094] Send a first feedback message to the first access network device, the first feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0096] Send a second feedback message to the first access network device, the second feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway;

[0097] Based on the second transmission network layer information, the device communicates with the first access network device through the second gateway.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following:

[0099] Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway;

[0100] The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the following differences exists between any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information:

[0102] Different IP address information;

[0103] The transmission relationships are different;

[0104] Different routing information;

[0105] TEID is different.

[0106] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0107] Send a third feedback message to the first access network device, the third feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway;

[0108] Based on the information from the third transport network layer, the device communicates with the first access network device through the third gateway.

[0109] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method for a communication system, the communication system including a first access network device and a second network device; the method includes:

[0110] The first access network device sends first information to the second network device; wherein, the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0111] The second network device receives the first information sent by the first access network device.

[0112] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first access network device, comprising:

[0113] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the second network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0114] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second network device is a second access network device or a core network device.

[0115] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transport network layer information includes at least one of the following:

[0116] Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device;

[0117] The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0118] Routing information;

[0119] Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device

[0120] Location information of the first access network device;

[0121] Effective usage time;

[0122] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the second network device includes:

[0124] The first information is sent to the second network device through the first gateway or the second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

[0125] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0126] First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0127] Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0128] The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0130] Before sending the first information to the second network device, the first transport network layer information is sent to the second network device. The first transport network layer information is used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0131] The device receives a first feedback message sent by the second network device, which indicates that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0132] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0133] Receive second feedback information sent by the second network device, the second feedback information being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway;

[0134] Based on the second transport network layer information, the second gateway communicates with the second network device.

[0135] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, when sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following:

[0136] Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway;

[0137] The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

[0138] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information differ from at least one of the following:

[0139] Different IP address information;

[0140] The transmission relationships are different;

[0141] Different routing information;

[0142] TEID is different.

[0143] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0144] The third feedback information sent by the second network device is received, which is used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway;

[0145] Based on the information of the third transport network layer, the second network device communicates with the third network device through the third gateway.

[0146] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second network device, comprising:

[0147] The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0148] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second network device is a second access network device or a core network device.

[0149] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transport network layer information includes at least one of the following:

[0150] Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device;

[0151] The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0152] Routing information;

[0153] Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device

[0154] Location information of the first access network device;

[0155] Effective usage time;

[0156] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0157] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the first access network device includes:

[0158] The system receives first information sent by the first access network device through a first gateway or a second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

[0159] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0160] First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0161] Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0162] The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

[0163] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0164] Before receiving the first information sent by the first access network device, the second network device receives the first transmission network layer information sent by the first access network device. The first transmission network layer information is used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0165] Send a first feedback message to the first access network device, the first feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0166] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0167] Send a second feedback message to the first access network device, the second feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway;

[0168] Based on the second transmission network layer information, the device communicates with the first access network device through the second gateway.

[0169] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, when sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following:

[0170] Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway;

[0171] The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

[0172] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the following differences exists between any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information:

[0173] Different IP address information;

[0174] The transmission relationships are different;

[0175] Different routing information;

[0176] TEID is different.

[0177] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0178] Send a third feedback message to the first access network device, the third feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway;

[0179] Based on the information from the third transport network layer, the device communicates with the first access network device through the third gateway.

[0180] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which includes: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing instructions; wherein the processors are configured to invoke the instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0181] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a first access network device and a second network device; wherein the first access network device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and optional implementations thereof, and the second network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0182] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect, an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0183] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0184] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect, an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0185] It is understood that the aforementioned first access network device, second network device, communication device, communication system, storage medium, program product, and computer program are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0186] The present invention is described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, information sending method, and information receiving method can be used interchangeably; the terms communication device, information processing device, information sending device, and information receiving device can be used interchangeably; and the terms information processing system, communication system, information sending system, and information receiving system can be used interchangeably.

[0187] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0188] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0189] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0190] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0191] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0192] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0193] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0194] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0195] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0196] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0197] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0198] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0199] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0200] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0201] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0202] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0203] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0204] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0205] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0206] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0207] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0208] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0209] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0210] The communication system of this disclosure embodiment may include a first access network device, a gateway (GW), a second network device, and a terminal (or user equipment (UE)). The second network device may include the second access network device and / or a core network device. In some embodiments, the first access network device may be a satellite-based access network device; in other embodiments, it may be a vehicle-based access network device. Optionally, the second access network device may be, for example, a fixed terrestrial access network device, and the core network device may be a fixed terrestrial core network device. The first access network device and the second network device can communicate via the gateway, and the first access network device can also provide communication services to the terminal.

[0211] Optionally, Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the communication system between the first access network device and the second network device when the first access network device is an access network device on a satellite, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] Optionally, based on the different ways the satellite processes signals, it can be divided into pass-through mode and regeneration mode. In pass-through mode, as shown in Figure 1B, the gateway sends the signal from the second network device to the satellite. The satellite converts the signal to the satellite frequency band and then transmits it to the terminal via the satellite frequency band. Except for frequency conversion and signal amplification, the satellite does not demodulate the signal from the second network device, similar to a repeater. In regeneration mode, as shown in Figure 1C, after the gateway sends the signal from the second network device to the satellite, the satellite first demodulates and decodes the signal and then re-encodes and modulates it (this process is regeneration) and transmits the regenerated signal via the satellite frequency band. Optionally, Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a regenerative satellite with ISL and a gNB processing payload according to an embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a regenerative satellite and a gNB processing payload according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0213] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device, car with communication capabilities, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0214] Optionally, the aforementioned access network equipment may be, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network equipment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation evolved Node B (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul equipment, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0215] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0216] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0217] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC). Alternatively, the core network device may also be a location management function network element. Exemplarily, the location management function network element includes a location server, which may be implemented as any of the following: a Location Management Function (LMF), an Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC), a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL), and a Secure User Plane Location Platform (SUPLLP).

[0218] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0219] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0220] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0221] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0222] Step 2101: The first access network device sends the first transport network layer information to the second network device.

[0223] Step 2101 can be used to establish a connection between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0224] Optionally, the second network device may include a second access network device and / or a core network device. For example, the second network device may be a base station or a core network device.

[0225] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first access network device may be mobile, meaning it can be in different locations at different times, while the second network device can be a fixed node. The first and second network devices can communicate via a gateway. In some embodiments, when the location of the first access network device changes, it will perform a gateway switch. For example, when the location of the first access network device changes, it can communicate with the second network device through the gateway closest to it.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first access network device can be a satellite-based base station in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), and the second network device can be a fixed terrestrial base station or a fixed terrestrial core network device. The gateway can be, for example, a terrestrial gateway. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first access network device can be a base station deployed on a mobile device (such as a moving vehicle), the second network device can be a fixed terrestrial base station or a fixed terrestrial core network device, and the gateway can be a core network device in the backhaul network. For example, the gateway can be a User Plane Function (UPF) element in the backhaul network.

[0227] Optionally, the first transport network layer information can be used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway. For example, the first transport network layer information can be used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway. In some embodiments, the aforementioned first transport network layer information may include at least one of the following:

[0228] The Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device when communicating with the second network device through the first gateway; optionally, the IP address information in the first transport network layer information is used to identify the first access network device when communicating with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0229] The transmission association relationship of the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device when communicating through the first gateway;

[0230] Routing information when communicating through the first gateway; optionally, the routing information in the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the first gateway; the routing information may include, for example, the gateway identifier and / or address information of the first gateway;

[0231] Tunnel Endpoint Identification (TEID) when communicating with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0232] Location information of the first access network device; Optionally, the location information of the first access network device can be used to indicate the movement trajectory of the first access network device. For example, when the first access network device is a base station on a satellite, the location information can be the ephemeris information of the satellite where the first access network device is located.

[0233] The effective usage time of the first transmission network layer information; optionally, the effective time of the first transmission network layer information can be understood as, for example, the time during which the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway, or it can also be understood as the connection time between the first access network device and the first gateway.

[0234] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0235] Optionally, the following provides a detailed description of the aforementioned "transmission association relationship of the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device":

[0236] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first access network device and the second network device may transmit different types of messages. These different types of messages can be understood as messages related to different devices. For example, the first access network device and the second network device may transmit messages related to terminal #1, messages related to terminal #2, and messages not related to terminals. The messages related to terminal #1, terminal #2, and not related to terminals are thus different types of messages. In some embodiments, the first access network device and the second network device may each correspond to multiple IP address information. Furthermore, different types of messages can be associated with different IP addresses of the first access network device and the second network device, and a certain type of message may contain its associated IP address, thereby distinguishing different types of messages. Optionally, in some embodiments, the association between the different types of messages and IP addresses can be understood as the aforementioned "transmission association relationship."

[0237] For example, assuming the first access network device corresponds to IP address #1, IP address #2, and IP address #3, and the second network device corresponds to IP address #4, IP address #5, and IP address #6, and the first access network device and the second network device transmit three types of messages: messages related to terminal #1, messages related to terminal #2, and non-terminal related messages, then the transmission layer association relationship between the first access network device and the second network device can include three types:

[0238] Transmission association #1: Messages related to terminal #1 are associated with IP address #1 and IP address #4 respectively;

[0239] Transmission association #2: Messages related to terminal #2 are associated with IP address #2 and IP address #5 respectively;

[0240] Transmission association #3: Non-terminal related messages are associated with IP address #3 and IP address #6 respectively.

[0241] Optionally, the aforementioned terminal can be identified using a terminal identifier, which can be, for example, the RAN UE NGAP ID and the AMF UE NGAP ID.

[0242] Optionally, the first access network device may send first transport network layer information to the second network device through a first gateway.

[0243] Optionally, the first access network device may send first transport network layer information to the second network device, for example, via a Connection Setup Request message.

[0244] Optionally, the first access network device is a first base station, and the second network device is a second base station. The first access network device sends first transport network layer information to the second network device through an Xn message (e.g., an Xn Setup Request message).

[0245] Optionally, the first access network device is a base station, and the second network device is a core network device (e.g., AMF). The first access network device sends the first transport network layer information to the second network device via an NGAP message (e.g., an NG Setup Request message).

[0246] Step 2102: The second network device establishes a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway based on the first transmission network layer information.

[0247] Optionally, the second network device can determine which gateway the first gateway is based on the first transport network layer information. Then, it can determine the first access network device that communicates with the second network device through the first gateway based on the first transport network layer information. Once the confirmation is completed, the second network device determines that it has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0248] Step 2103: The second network device sends the first feedback information to the first access network device.

[0249] Optionally, the first feedback information can be used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0250] Optionally, the second network device may send first feedback information to the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0251] Optionally, the second network device may send first feedback information to the first access network device, for example, via a Connection Setup Response message or an Xn Setup Response message.

[0252] Optionally, the first access network device is a first base station, the second network device is a second base station, and the second network device sends first feedback information to the first access network device through an Xn message (e.g., an Xn Setup Response message).

[0253] Optionally, the first access network device is a base station, and the second network device is a core network device (e.g., AMF). The second network device sends the first feedback information to the first access network device via an NGAP message (e.g., an NG Setup Response message).

[0254] Step 2104: The first access network device and the second network device communicate through the first gateway.

[0255] Optionally, the first access network device and the second network device can transmit IP packets using the IP address information of the first access network device when communicating through the first gateway. The IP packets may include signaling and / or data, thereby enabling communication between the first access network device and the second network device through the first gateway. Alternatively, the first access network device and the second network device can determine the first gateway based on the routing information of the first gateway, and then communicate with each other based on the first gateway. For example, the first gateway can forward signaling and / or data between the first access network device and the second network device to enable communication between the first access network device and the second network device through the first gateway.

[0256] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first access network device and the second network device may communicate through the first gateway during the effective usage time of the first transmission network layer information.

[0257] Step 2105: The first access network device switches from the first gateway to the second gateway with the second network device, and the first access network device sends the first information to the second network device.

[0258] Optionally, the first access network device may send the first information to the second network device through a first gateway or a second gateway. In some embodiments, the first access network device may send the first information to the second network device through the first gateway before the handover between the first and second network devices occurs. Alternatively, the first access network device may send the first information to the second network device through the second gateway after the handover between the first and second network devices has occurred. Or, the first access network device may send the first information to the second network device through either the first or second gateway during the handover process between the first and second network devices.

[0259] Optionally, the first gateway and the second gateway are different. Optionally, the mobility of the first access network device may cause it to disconnect from the first gateway during movement and switch to a connection with the second gateway, thus switching the communication between the first access network device and the second network device from the first gateway to the second gateway. Optionally, the switching between the first access network device and the second network device from the first gateway to the second gateway can also be referred to as a "feeder link switch". Optionally, when the first access network device switches from the first gateway to the second gateway, the transport network layer between the first access network device and the second network device changes, causing a change in the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device. Based on this, the first access network device sends first information to the second network device to indicate the updated transport network layer information after the gateway switch. The second network device, knowing the updated transport network layer information, can then communicate with the first access network device based on this updated transport network layer information, ensuring communication continuity.

[0260] Optionally, the first access network device may send the first information to the second network device through a first gateway or a second gateway.

[0261] Optionally, the first information may be used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0262] First transport network layer information; for a detailed description of the first transport network layer information, please refer to the steps described above.

[0263] Second transmission network layer information;

[0264] The effective usage time of information in the second transmission network layer.

[0265] Optionally, the second transport network layer information can be used to indicate the transport network layer information used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway; the second transport network layer information may include at least one of the following:

[0266] The IP address information of the first access network device when communicating with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0267] The transmission association relationship of the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device when communicating through the second gateway;

[0268] Routing information when communicating through the second gateway;

[0269] TEID when communicating with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0270] Location information of the first access network device;

[0271] The effective usage time of information in the second transmission network layer;

[0272] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0273] For detailed information on "IP address information, routing information, location information of the first access network device, and transmission association," please refer to the steps described above. Furthermore, the effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information here can be understood, for example, as the time the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway, or, alternatively, as the connection time between the first access network device and the second gateway.

[0274] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first transport network layer information and the second transport network layer information differ from at least one of the following:

[0275] Different IP address information;

[0276] The transmission relationships are different;

[0277] Different routing information;

[0278] TEID is different.

[0279] Based on the explanation of "transmission association," it can be understood that when the IP address information of the first access network device is different, the transmission association will change. Therefore, different IP address information will inevitably lead to a change in the transmission association. If the IP address information of the first access network device does not change, the transmission association will not change.

[0280] Furthermore, for example, the routing information between the first and second transport network layer information can be different, but the IP address information and TEID are the same. That is, regardless of how the gateway between the first access network device and the second network device changes, the IP address information and TEID corresponding to the first access network device are the same; or, the routing information between the first and second transport network layer information is different, and the IP address information and TEID are also different. That is, when the gateway between the first access network device and the second network device changes, the IP address information and TEID corresponding to the first access network device will also change simultaneously. Or, the routing information and TEID between the first and second transport network layer information are different, but the IP address information is the same. Or, the routing information and IP address information between the first and second transport network layer information are different, but the TEID is the same.

[0281] Furthermore, it should be noted that in some embodiments, if the IP address information of the first access network device is updated, the first access network device (e.g., the first access network device is a base station) can send first information to the second network device (e.g., the second network device is an AMF). This first information is included in an NGAP message (e.g., a RAN configuration update message). The NGAP message will be sent to the second network device through the updated transmission association. Based on the first access network device identifier in the first information and the updated transmission association at the time of receipt, the second network device can determine that the transmission association between the first access network device and the second network device has been updated, and communicate with the first access network device using the updated transmission association.

[0282] In some embodiments, if the IP address information of the first access network device is updated, the first access network device (e.g., the first access network device is a first base station) sends first information to the second network device (e.g., the second network device is a second base station). The first information is included in an XnAP message (e.g., an NG-RAN configuration update message). The XnAP message is sent to the second network device through the updated transmission association. The second network device can determine that the transmission association between the first access network device and the second network device has been updated based on the first access network device identifier in the first information and the updated transmission association at the time of receipt, and communicate with the first access network device using the updated transmission association.

[0283] In some embodiments, if the transmission association corresponding to the serving terminal in the first access network device changes (e.g., due to a change caused by a feeder link switch), the first access network device sends first information to the second network device. The first information is included in an NGAP message, which may be a terminal-related message. The first information may include a terminal identifier. The NGAP message is sent to the second network device through an updated transmission association. The second network device can determine that the transmission association related to the terminal has been updated based on the first access network device identifier, the terminal identifier, and the updated transmission association at the time of receipt in the first information, and uses the updated transmission association to communicate with the first access network device related to the terminal.

[0284] In some embodiments, if the transmission association corresponding to a serving terminal in the first access network device changes (e.g., due to a change caused by a feeder link switch), the first access network device sends first information to the second network device. The first information is included in an NGAP message, which may be a non-terminal-related message (e.g., a RAN configuration update message). The first information may include updated transmission associations corresponding to one or more terminals and corresponding terminal identifiers. The second network device then determines that the transmission associations corresponding to one or more terminals have been updated based on the first access network device identifier, terminal identifier, and updated transmission associations in the first information, and uses the updated transmission associations to perform terminal-related communication with the first access network device.

[0285] Optionally, the first access network device may send first information to the second network device, for example, via a Configuration Update message.

[0286] Optionally, the first access network device is a first base station, and the second network device is a second base station. The first access network device sends the first information to the second network device through an Xn message (e.g., an NG-RAN Configuration Update message).

[0287] Optionally, the first access network device is a base station, and the second network device is a core network device (e.g., AMF). The first access network device sends the first information to the second network device via an NGAP message (e.g., a RAN Configuration Update message).

[0288] Step 2106: The second network device establishes a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway based on the second transmission network layer information.

[0289] Step 2107: The second network device sends the second feedback information to the first access network device.

[0290] Optionally, the second feedback information can be used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway.

[0291] Optionally, the second network device may send second feedback information to the first access network device through a second gateway.

[0292] Optionally, the second network device may send a second feedback message to the first access network device, for example, via a Configuration Update Complete message.

[0293] Optionally, the first access network device is a first base station, and the second network device is a second base station. The second network device sends second feedback information to the first access network device via an Xn message (e.g., an NG-RAN Configuration Update Acknowledge message).

[0294] Optionally, the first access network device is a base station, and the second network device is a core network device (e.g., AMF). The second network device sends second feedback information to the first access network device via an NGAP message (e.g., a RAN Configuration Update Acknowledge message).

[0295] Step 2108: The first access network device and the second network device communicate through the second gateway.

[0296] The principles of steps 2106-2108 are similar to those of steps 2102-2104 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the following terms in this disclosure can be used interchangeably.

[0298] "Evolved NodeB (eNB)", "Next Generation NodeB (gNB)", "Base Station", "NG-RAN Node", and "6G-RAN" can be used interchangeably.

[0299] The "Mobility Management Entity (MME)" can be interchanged with the "Core Network (CN)," "Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)," "Session Management Function (SMF)," and "6G Core Network Equipment."

[0300] The "Serving Gateway (SGW)" can be interchanged with the "User Plane Function (UPF)" and the "6G User Plane".

[0301] "NG Application Protocol (NGAP)" can be used interchangeably with "S1AP".

[0302] In the above embodiments, a mobile first access network device sends first information to a second network device it communicates with. This first information can be used to determine the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device. Therefore, in the method provided by this disclosure, if the transport network layer information between the first access network device and the second network device changes due to the mobility of the first access network device and / or gateway switching, the second network device can determine the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device based on the first information sent by the first access network device. Communication between the first access network device and the second network device can then be achieved based on the determined transport network layer information. Thus, even if the transport network layer information between the second network device and the mobile first access network device changes, successful communication between the second network device and the first access network device can still be ensured, guaranteeing communication continuity in mobile communication scenarios and improving communication efficiency and stability.

[0303] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2108. For example, step 2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps 2101+2102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0304] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0305] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0306] Step 2201: The first access network device sends the first information to the second network device through the first gateway.

[0307] Optionally, the first information includes the content of step 2101 described above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first information may also indicate at least one of the following:

[0308] Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway;

[0309] The effective usage time of information in the third transport network layer.

[0310] Optionally, the third transport network layer information may include at least one of the following:

[0311] Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device when communicating with the second network device through the third gateway;

[0312] The transmission association relationship of the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device when communicating through the third gateway;

[0313] Routing information when communicating through a third gateway;

[0314] Tunnel identifier (TEID) when communicating with a second network device through a third gateway;

[0315] Location information of the first access network device;

[0316] The effective usage time of information in the third transmission network layer;

[0317] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0318] The relevant introduction to the third transport network layer information can be found in the above introduction to the "first transport network layer information". The principles of the two are similar, so they will not be repeated here.

[0319] Optionally, any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information differ in at least one of the following ways:

[0320] Different IP address information;

[0321] The transmission relationships are different;

[0322] Different routing information;

[0323] TEID is different.

[0324] As can be seen from the above, the first information in this embodiment of Figure 2B may include the transport network layer information corresponding to all possible gateways connecting the first access network device and the second network device.

[0325] For example, suppose that during the movement of the first access network device, there are two possible gateways connecting it to the second network device. The first information may include, for example, transmission network layer information #1 and transmission network layer information #2. The effective usage time of transmission network layer information #1 is from 9:00 to 10:00. Transmission network layer information #1 indicates that from 9:00 to 10:00, the IP address information corresponding to the transmission path between the first node and the second node is IP address 1, and the routing information corresponding to the transmission path between the first node and the second node is gateway #1. That is, from 9:00 to 10:00, the first node and the second node communicate based on IP address 1, and the transmission node between the first node and the second node is gateway #1. Similarly, the effective usage time of transmission network layer information #2 is from 10:00 to 12:00. Transmission network layer information #2 indicates that from 10:00 to 12:00, the IP address information corresponding to the transmission path between the first node and the second node is IP address 2, and the routing information corresponding to the transmission path between the first node and the second node is gateway #2. That is, from 10:00 to 12:00, the first node and the second node communicate based on IP address 2, and the transmission node between the first node and the second node is gateway #2.

[0326] Step 2202: The second network device establishes a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway based on the first transmission network layer information in the first information.

[0327] Step 2203: The second network device sends the first feedback information to the first access network device.

[0328] Step 2204: The first access network device and the second network device communicate through the first gateway.

[0329] Step 2205: The first access network device and the second network device switch from the first gateway to the third gateway. The second network device establishes a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway based on the third transmission network layer information in the first information.

[0330] Step 2206: The second network device sends the third feedback information to the first access network device.

[0331] Optionally, the third feedback information is used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway.

[0332] Step 2207: The first access network device and the second network device communicate through the third gateway.

[0333] For a detailed description of steps 2202-2207, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0334] In the above embodiments, a mobile first access network device sends first information to a second network device it communicates with. This first information can be used to determine the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device. Therefore, in the method provided by this disclosure, if the transport network layer information between the first access network device and the second network device changes due to the mobility of the first access network device and / or gateway switching, the second network device can determine the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device based on the first information sent by the first access network device. Communication between the first access network device and the second network device can then be achieved based on the determined transport network layer information. Thus, even if the transport network layer information between the second network device and the mobile first access network device changes, successful communication between the second network device and the first access network device can still be ensured, guaranteeing communication continuity in mobile communication scenarios and improving communication efficiency and stability.

[0335] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2201 to 2207. For example, step 2201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step 2201+2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0336] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0337] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first access network device, the method comprising:

[0338] Step 3101: Send the first information to the second network device.

[0339] Optionally, the first access network device is mobile, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0340] Optionally, the second network device is a second access network device or a core network device.

[0341] Optionally, the transport network layer information includes at least one of the following:

[0342] Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device;

[0343] The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0344] Routing information;

[0345] Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device

[0346] Location information of the first access network device;

[0347] Effective usage time;

[0348] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0349] Optionally, sending the first information to the second network device includes:

[0350] The first information is sent to the second network device through the first gateway or the second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

[0351] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0352] First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0353] Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0354] The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

[0355] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0356] Before sending the first information to the second network device, the first transport network layer information is sent to the second network device. The first transport network layer information is used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0357] The device receives a first feedback message sent by the second network device, which indicates that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0358] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0359] Receive second feedback information sent by the second network device, the second feedback information being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway;

[0360] Based on the second transport network layer information, the second gateway communicates with the second network device.

[0361] Optionally, when sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following:

[0362] Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway;

[0363] The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

[0364] Optionally, any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information differ in at least one of the following ways:

[0365] Different IP address information;

[0366] The transmission relationships are different;

[0367] Different routing information;

[0368] TEID is different.

[0369] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0370] The third feedback information sent by the second network device is received, which is used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway;

[0371] Based on the information of the third transport network layer, the second network device communicates with the third network device through the third gateway.

[0372] For a detailed description of step 3101, please refer to the above embodiment.

[0373] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0374] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a second network device, the method comprising:

[0375] Step 4101: Receive the first information sent by the first access network device.

[0376] Optionally, the first access network device is mobile, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0377] Optionally, the second network device is a second access network device or a core network device.

[0378] Optionally, the transport network layer information includes at least one of the following:

[0379] Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device;

[0380] The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device;

[0381] Routing information;

[0382] Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device

[0383] Location information of the first access network device;

[0384] Effective usage time;

[0385] The identifier of the first access network device.

[0386] Optionally, receiving the first information sent by the first access network device includes:

[0387] The system receives first information sent by the first access network device through a first gateway or a second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

[0388] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0389] First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway;

[0390] Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway;

[0391] The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

[0392] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0393] Before receiving the first information sent by the first access network device, the second network device receives the first transmission network layer information sent by the first access network device. The first transmission network layer information is used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0394] Send a first feedback message to the first access network device, the first feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

[0395] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0396] Send a second feedback message to the first access network device, the second feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway;

[0397] Based on the second transmission network layer information, the device communicates with the first access network device through the second gateway.

[0398] Optionally, when sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following:

[0399] Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway;

[0400] The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

[0401] Optionally, at least one of the following differences exists between any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information:

[0402] Different IP address information;

[0403] The transmission relationships are different;

[0404] Different routing information;

[0405] TEID is different.

[0406] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0407] Send a third feedback message to the first access network device, the third feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway;

[0408] Based on the information from the third transport network layer, the device communicates with the first access network device through the third gateway.

[0409] For a detailed description of step 4101, please refer to the above embodiment.

[0410] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0411] Figure 5A is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system, the communication system including a first access network device and a second network device, and the method includes at least one of the following:

[0412] Step 5101: The first access network device sends first information to the second network device;

[0413] Step 5102: The second network device receives the first information sent by the first access network device.

[0414] The optional implementation methods of steps 5101-5102 can be found in the above embodiments.

[0415] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods described in the embodiments on the communication system side, terminal side, network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0416] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 5101 to 5104. For example, step 5101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 5102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0417] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0418] The following is an exemplary description of the above method.

[0419] The main methods disclosed herein are:

[0420] 1. Satellite base stations can support two IP address allocation methods:

[0421] Method 1: Dynamic IP address allocation. When a satellite connects to different ground-based gateways (GWs), it is assigned a different IP address.

[0422] - Method 1-1: Send the updated IP address to the ground node before the feeder link switch occurs.

[0423] - Method 1-2: When the connection is established, the base station on the satellite sends all possible IP address information and the corresponding GW information or time information to the ground node. The ground node determines whether the GW has changed based on the time or IP packet header.

[0424] Method 2: Static IP address allocation. The IP address of the base station on the satellite remains unchanged. When the GW changes, the ground node needs to be notified of the GW information it is currently connected to.

[0425] - Method 2-1: Send a GW change indication to the ground node before the feeder link switch occurs.

[0426] Method 2-2: When a connection is established, the base station on the satellite sends the GW information and time information of the possible connection to the ground node. The ground node then determines whether the GW has changed based on the time.

[0427] Embodiment 1 of the present invention (the process corresponding to method 1-1 and method 2-1):

[0428] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0429] Step 101: The first node (i.e., the aforementioned first access network device) sends a first message (i.e., the first transport network layer information in the embodiment shown in Figure 2A of the aforementioned embodiments) to the second node (i.e., the aforementioned second network device), wherein the first message is used to establish a first connection. The first message includes the first transport network layer information.

[0430] In some embodiments, the first node is a base station on a satellite, and the second node is a base station on the ground.

[0431] In some embodiments, the first node is a base station on a satellite, and the second node is a ground-based core network node (e.g., AMF).

[0432] In some embodiments, the first connection communicates through a first gateway (e.g., NTN-GW).

[0433] In some embodiments, the first connection is dynamically variable, for example, the first connection is used for a connection between a mobile base station (e.g., a base station on a satellite) and a fixed base station (e.g., a ground base station).

[0434] The first transmission network layer information includes at least one of the following:

[0435] - IP address information from the transport network layer, used to indicate the IP address information used by the first base station for the first connection.

[0436] - Routing information, used to indicate the routing node corresponding to the IP address. For example, the routing node may be a gateway identifier or address information of the transmission network layer.

[0437] - The location information of the first node, used to indicate the movement trajectory of the first node, such as the ephemeris information of the satellite where the first node is located;

[0438] - Valid time (i.e., the valid usage time in the aforementioned embodiments) is used to indicate the valid time of the aforementioned transport layer information;

[0439] Step 102: The second node sends a first connection establishment feedback to the first node (i.e., the first feedback information in the embodiment of Figure 2A in the aforementioned embodiment, for example, Xn Setup Response).

[0440] Step 103: The first node sends a first configuration update message (i.e., the first information in the embodiment shown in Figure 2A of the aforementioned embodiments, for example, an NG-RAN node configuration update message) to the second node, wherein the first configuration update message includes second transport network layer information. The second transport network layer information is updated transport network layer information.

[0441] The second transmission network layer information includes:

[0442] -Old transport network layer information (i.e., the first transport network layer information in the embodiment of Figure 2A in the foregoing embodiments), including but not limited to at least one of IP address, TEID, and GW information;

[0443] - New transport network layer information (i.e., the second transport network layer information in the embodiment of Figure 2A in the foregoing embodiments), including but not limited to at least one of IP address, TEID, and GW information;

[0444] - Application time (i.e., the effective usage time of the second transport network layer information in the foregoing embodiments) is used to indicate when the new transport network layer information is applied.

[0445] - Terminal device transport layer association binding (i.e., the aforementioned "transport association") update, used to indicate the update of transport layer association binding (also known as transport network layer association "TNL Association") used by NGAP signaling of one or more terminal devices.

[0446] The identifier of the first node is used to indicate the device identifier of the first node, such as the global RAN ID.

[0447] In some embodiments, the transport layer association binding update for each terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0448] - Terminal identifier, such as RAN UE NGAP ID and AMF UE NGAP ID;

[0449] - Old transport layer address information;

[0450] - New transport layer address information;

[0451] In some embodiments, if the transport layer address of the first access network device is updated, the first access network device sends first information to the second network device. The first information is included in an NGAP message (e.g., a RAN configuration update message). The NGAP message is sent to the second network device via the updated transport layer address. The second network device can determine the update of the transport layer association binding based on the first access network device identifier in the first information and the updated transport layer address information received, and use the updated transport layer association binding to communicate with the first access network device.

[0452] In some embodiments, if the transport layer association binding of a UE served in a first access network device changes (e.g., due to a change caused by a feeder link switch), the first access network device sends first information to a second network device. The first information is included in an NGAP message, which may be a UE-related message. The first information may include the identifier of the terminal. The NGAP message is sent to the second network device via an updated transport layer address. The second network device can determine the update of the UE-related transport layer association binding based on the first access network device identifier in the first information and the updated transport layer address information received, and use the updated transport layer association binding to perform UE-related communication with the first access network device.

[0453] In some embodiments, if the transport layer association binding of a UE served in a first access network device changes (e.g., due to a change caused by a feeder link switch), the first access network device sends first information to a second network device. The first information is included in an NGAP message, which may be a non-UE-related message (e.g., a RAN configuration update message). The first information may include one or more terminal transport layer association binding updates. The second network device determines the update of the UE-related transport layer association binding based on the first access network device identifier in the first information, and uses the updated transport layer association binding to perform UE-related communication with the first access network device.

[0454] The second network device updates the transport layer information and communicates with the first access network device based on the new transport network layer information.

[0455] In some embodiments, the second transport network layer information is generated due to a change in the ground gateway linked to the first base station (e.g., the ground gateway changes from the first gateway to the second gateway due to a feeder link switch).

[0456] Embodiment 2 of the present invention (the process corresponding to methods 1-2 and 2-2):

[0457] Figure 5C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, embodiment 2 of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0458] Step 201: The first access network device sends a first message (i.e., the first information in the embodiment shown in Figure 2B of the foregoing embodiments) to the second network device, wherein the first message is used to establish or update the first connection. The first message includes first transport network layer information.

[0459] The other descriptions are consistent with those in step 101.

[0460] The first transmission network layer information includes a transmission layer information list, and each list includes at least one of the following:

[0461] - IP address information from the transport network layer, used to indicate the IP address information used by the first base station for the first connection.

[0462] - Routing information, used to indicate the routing node corresponding to the IP address. For example, the routing node may be a gateway identifier or address information of the transmission network layer.

[0463] -Valid time, used to indicate the validity period of the aforementioned transport layer information;

[0464] In some embodiments, each transport layer IP address in the list corresponds to different routing information. For example, IP address 1 corresponds to GW1, and IP address 2 corresponds to GW2.

[0465] In some embodiments, the routing path corresponds to a specific effective time, that is, between 9:00 and 10:00, the routing path is 1 (for example, it can communicate with base station 1 through GW1), and between 10:00 and 12:00, the routing path is 2 (for example, it can communicate with base station 1 through GW2).

[0466] Step 202: The second node sends a first connection establishment feedback to the first node (i.e., the first feedback information or the second feedback information in the embodiment of Figure 2B in the aforementioned embodiment, for example, it can be: Xn Setup Response).

[0467] In some embodiments, when the GW changes, the first node sends an IP packet using the IP address corresponding to the GW, wherein the IP packet may be used to transmit signaling or data.

[0468] In some embodiments, the second node can determine the GW corresponding to the IP address based on the IP packet header from the first node, and communicate with the first node through the GW.

[0469] In this invention, the following terms can be used interchangeably:

[0470] - "eNB" and "gNB", "base station", "NG-RAN node", and "6G-RAN" are interchangeable;

[0471] - "MME" can be interchanged with "CN", "AMF", "SMF" and "6G core network node";

[0472] - "SGW" can be used interchangeably with "UPF" and "6G User Plane";

[0473] “NGAP” can be used interchangeably with “S1AP”.

[0474] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0475] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0476] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0477] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first access network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, it includes:

[0478] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the second network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0479] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute the "transceiver" related steps performed by the first access network device in any of the above methods. The first access network device further includes a processing module, which is used to execute the "processing" related steps performed by the first access network device in any of the above methods. Further details are omitted here.

[0480] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, it includes:

[0481] The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

[0482] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute the "transmission and reception" related steps performed by the second network device in any of the above methods. The second network device further includes a processing module, which is used to execute the "processing" related steps performed by the second network device in any of the above methods. Further details are omitted here.

[0483] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0484] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 7101 is used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0485] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0486] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceivers 7103, and other steps are performed by the processor 7101.

[0487] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0488] Optionally, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more interface circuits 7104, which are connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuits 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0489] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0490] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0491] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to invoke instructions to cause chip 7200 to perform any of the above methods.

[0492] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202 connected to memory 7203. Interface circuits 7202 can be used to receive signals from memory 7203 or other devices, and can also be used to send signals to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in memory 7203 and send those instructions to processor 7201. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be used interchangeably.

[0493] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside of chip 7200.

[0494] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0495] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0496] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0497] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0498] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0499] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0500] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a first access network device, wherein the first access network device is mobile, the method includes: Send first information to the second network device; wherein the first information is used to determine the transport network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second network device is either a second access network device or a core network device.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transmission network layer information includes at least one of the following: Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device; The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device; Routing information; Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device Location information of the first access network device; Effective usage time; The identifier of the first access network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the second network device includes: The first information is sent to the second network device through the first gateway or the second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway; Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway; The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

6. The method as described in any one of claims 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before sending the first information to the second network device, the first transport network layer information is sent to the second network device. The first transport network layer information is used by the second network device to establish a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway. The device receives a first feedback message sent by the second network device, which indicates that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second feedback information sent by the second network device, the second feedback information being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway; Based on the second transport network layer information, the second gateway communicates with the second network device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, When sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following: Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway; The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

9. The method as described in claim 5 or 8, characterized in that, Any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information differ from each other in at least one of the following ways: Different IP address information; The transmission relationships are different; Different routing information; TEID is different.

10. The method as described in any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third feedback information sent by the second network device is received, which is used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway; Based on the information of the third transport network layer, the second network device communicates with the third network device through the third gateway.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a second network device, the method includes: The system receives first information sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is mobile, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second network device is either a second access network device or a core network device.

13. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The transmission network layer information includes at least one of the following: Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first access network device; The transmission association relationship at the transport layer between the first access network device and the second network device; Routing information; Tunnel Identifier (TEID) used when the first access network device communicates with the second network device Location information of the first access network device; Effective usage time; The identifier of the first access network device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The receipt of the first information sent by the first access network device includes: The system receives first information sent by the first access network device through a first gateway or a second gateway; the first gateway is the gateway before the handover, and the second gateway is the gateway after the handover.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: First transport network layer information; the first transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the first gateway; Second transport network layer information; the second transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through the second gateway; The effective usage time of the second transmission network layer information.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before receiving the first information sent by the first access network device, the second network device receives the first transport network layer information sent by the first access network device. This first transport network layer information is used by the second network device to establish communication with the first access network device through the first gateway. Trust connection; Send a first feedback message to the first access network device, the first feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the first gateway.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second feedback message to the first access network device, the second feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the second gateway; Based on the second transmission network layer information, the device communicates with the first access network device through the second gateway.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized in that, When sending the first information to the second network device through the first gateway, the first information further includes at least one of the following: Third transport network layer information; the third transport network layer information is used to indicate the transport network layer information when the first access network device communicates with the second network device through a third gateway; the third gateway includes at least one gateway other than the first gateway and the second gateway; The effective usage time of the information in the third transmission network layer.

19. The method as described in claim 15 or 8, characterized in that, There is at least one difference between any two of the third transport network layer information, the first transport network layer information, and the second transport network layer information: Different IP address information; The transmission relationships are different; Different routing information; TEID is different.

20. The method as described in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third feedback message to the first access network device, the third feedback message being used to indicate that the second network device has successfully established a communication connection with the first access network device through the third gateway; Based on the information from the third transport network layer, the device communicates with the first access network device through the third gateway.

21. A communication method for a communication system, the communication system comprising a first access network device and a second network device; the method comprising: The first access network device sends the first information to the second network device; Wherein, the first access network device is mobile, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device; The second network device receives the first information sent by the first access network device.

22. A first access network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send first information to the second network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

23. A second network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is movable, and the first information is used to determine the transmission network layer information for communication between the first access network device and the second network device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; A memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; A memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 20.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first access network device and a second network device, wherein the first access network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, and the second network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 11 to 20.

27. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

28. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

Images