Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus, used for improving the reliability of data transmission in an NTN communication scenario. In the method, both a first base station and a second base station can provide services for a terminal device, and a first core network element can instruct the first base station to trigger establishment of a data transmission channel used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device. In this way, when a data transmission channel used by a first base station to transmit data of a terminal device has been established, the data of the terminal device can be jointly transmitted by means of the first base station and a second base station, thereby improving the flexibility of data transmission.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 202410858286.0 filed on June 27, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication, in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] Non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication has the advantages of wide coverage, long communication distance, high reliability, great flexibility, high throughput, and is not affected by geographical environment, climate conditions and natural disasters, and has been widely applied in aviation communication, maritime communication and other fields. According to the working mode, the data transmission mode of NTN communication can be divided into two categories, which are transparent mode and regenerative mode. Among them, the transparent mode can transmit messages and data between the satellite and the ground access network; the regenerative mode can set the access network function on the satellite, so that the satellite has the processing capability of air interface signals.

[0004] However, in the scenario of NTN communication, how to improve the flexibility of data transmission to better meet the needs of future communication is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus to improve the flexibility of data transmission in the scenario of NTN communication.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first base station, or by a component of the first base station, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the first base station, or by a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the first base station. Hereinafter, the method is taken as an example executed by the first base station. The method comprises: receiving, by the first base station, indication information from a first core network element, the indication information being used to indicate that data of a terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and a second base station, the first base station being a base station arranged on a satellite, and the second base station being a base station arranged on the ground, or the first base station being a base station arranged on the ground, and the second base station being a base station arranged on the satellite; and in response to the indication information, triggering, by the first base station, establishment of a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device.

[0008] According to the method of the first aspect, when the first base station is a base station arranged on a satellite and the second base station is a base station arranged on the ground, or when the first base station is a base station arranged on the ground and the second base station is a base station arranged on a satellite, the first core network element can send indication information to the first base station to make the first base station trigger establishment of a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. In this way, in the case where a data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device has been established, the data of the terminal device can be transmitted through the data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, thereby improving the flexibility of data transmission.

[0009] It can be understood that the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device can include a data transmission channel between the second base station and a second core network element (such as a user plane function UPF element) for transmitting data of the terminal device; or can include a data transmission channel between the second base station and a second core network element (such as a user plane function UPF element) for transmitting data of the terminal device, and a data transmission channel between the second base station and the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions and is not limited. In one possible design, the method of the first aspect further includes that the first base station triggers establishment of a data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. It can be understood that in the case where a data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device has not been established, the first base station can trigger establishment of a data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device after receiving the indication information. In this way, after the data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device are established, the data of the terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and the second base station.

[0010] In one possible design, before the first base station triggers establishment of the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, the method of the first aspect further includes that the first base station receives first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, the first core network tunnel information being used for the second base station to send data of the terminal device to a second core network element; and the first base station triggers establishment of the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, including that the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station. It can be understood that the second base station can send data of the terminal device to the second core network element based on the first core network tunnel information. In addition, the second core network element can be a user plane function UPF element.

[0011] Optionally, after the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, the method of the first aspect further includes that the first base station sends first access network tunnel information to a first core network network element, and the first access network tunnel information is used for a second core network network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station. It can be understood that the second core network network element can send the data of the terminal device to the second base station based on the first access network tunnel information.

[0012] Optionally, the first base station sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station includes that the first base station sends a first message to the second base station, the first message is used for requesting the second base station to create a data transmission channel between the second base station and the second core network network element, the first message includes the first core network tunnel information, and the first base station receives first access network tunnel information from the second base station. That is, the first base station can send the first core network tunnel information to the second base station when requesting the access network tunnel information from the second base station. In this way, the communication overhead can be reduced.

[0013] Optionally, before the first base station triggers to establish the data transmission channel for the first base station to transmit the data of the terminal device, the method of the first aspect further includes that the first base station receives second core network tunnel information from a first core network network element, the second core network tunnel information is used for the first base station to send the data of the terminal device to the second core network network element, and the first base station triggering to establish the data transmission channel for the first base station to transmit the data of the terminal device includes that the first base station sends second access network tunnel information to the first core network network element, and the second access network tunnel information is used for the second core network network element to send the data of the terminal device to the first base station. It can be understood that the first base station can send the information of the terminal device to the second core network network element based on the second core network tunnel information, and the second core network network element can send the information of the terminal device to the first base station based on the second access network tunnel information. In this way, the establishment of the data transmission channel between the first base station and the second core network network element can be realized.

[0014] In a possible design, the method of the first aspect further includes that the first base station associates a data transmission channel (denoted as data transmission channel 1) for the first base station to transmit the data of the terminal device and a data transmission channel (denoted as data transmission channel 2) for the second base station to transmit the data of the terminal device. In this way, after receiving the data of the terminal device, the first base station can transmit the data of the terminal device through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2, for example, the first base station can copy the data of the terminal device to obtain two copies of the data, and transmit the two copies of the data through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 respectively, or for example, the first base station can divide the data of the terminal device to obtain two pieces of divided data, and transmit the two pieces of divided data through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 respectively.

[0015] In a possible design, the method of the first aspect further includes: triggering, by the first base station, establishment of a data transmission channel between the first base station and the second base station for transmission of data of the terminal device. For example, the first base station can send, to the second base station, third access network tunnel information used by the second base station to send data of the terminal device to the first base station. The second base station can also send, to the first base station, fourth access network tunnel information used by the first base station to send data of the terminal device to the second base station. In this way, the first base station and the second base station can transmit data of the terminal device through the data transmission channel after the data transmission channel between the first base station and the second base station for transmission of data of the terminal device is established.

[0016] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first core network element, or by a component of the first core network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the first core network element, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the function of the first core network element. The first core network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element. The method includes: sending, by the first core network element, indication information to a first base station, the indication information being used to indicate that data of a terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and a second base station, the first base station being a base station arranged on a satellite, and the second base station being a base station arranged on the ground, or the first base station being a base station arranged on the ground, and the second base station being a base station arranged on a satellite; receiving, by the first core network element, first access network tunnel information from the first base station, the first access network tunnel information being used by a second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station; and sending, by the first core network element, the first access network tunnel information to the second core network element.

[0017] In a possible design, the method of the second aspect further includes: sending, by the first core network element, first core network tunnel information to the first base station, the first core network tunnel information being used by the second base station to send data of the terminal device to the second core network element.

[0018] Optionally, the method of the second aspect further includes: sending, by the first core network element, second core network tunnel information to the first base station, the second core network tunnel information being used by the first base station to send data of the terminal device to the second core network element; receiving, by the first core network element, second access network tunnel information from the first base station, and sending, by the first core network element, the second access network tunnel information to the second core network element, the second access network tunnel information being used by the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the first base station.

[0019] In a possible design, before the first core network element sends the indication information to the first base station, the method of the second aspect further includes: determining, by the first core network element, to send the indication information according to at least one of the following: a quality of service (QoS) of the service, a quality of experience (QoE) of the service, or the first base station having a first capability, where the first capability includes a capability of the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device with the second base station. For example, the first core network element determines to send the indication information according to the first base station having the first capability. For another example, the first core network element determines to send the indication information according to the first base station having the first capability and the QoS requirement of the service being high. In this way, the first core network element can determine to send the indication information according to actual conditions.

[0020] In a possible design, the method of the second aspect further includes: determining, by the first core network element, that the first base station has a first capability, where the first capability includes a capability of the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device with the second base station. In this way, it can be avoided that, after the data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device is established, the first base station is unable to transmit data of the terminal device to the second base station, and thus the data of the terminal device cannot be transmitted through the first base station and the second base station.

[0021] Optionally, determining, by the first core network element, that the first base station has the first capability includes: receiving, by the first core network element, first information from the first base station, where the first information is used to indicate that the first base station has the first capability; and determining, by the first core network element, that the first base station has the first capability according to the first information. That is, the first base station can indicate to the first core network element that it has the first capability. In this way, the first base station can be determined to have the first capability according to actual conditions. Of course, the first core network element can also determine that the first base station has the first capability in other manners, for example, presetting information used to indicate that the first base station has the first capability in the first core network element, and the like, which are not limited herein.

[0022] In addition, the technical effects of the method of the second aspect can also refer to the technical effects of the method of the first aspect, which are not repeated here.

[0023] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first base station, or by a component of the first base station, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the first base station, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first base station. The method is described below by way of example with the first base station performing the method. The method comprises: determining, by the first base station, to activate a first mode, the first mode being to transmit data of a terminal device by the first base station and a second base station, the first base station being a base station disposed on a satellite, and the second base station being a base station disposed on the ground, or the first base station being a base station disposed on the ground, and the second base station being a base station disposed on a satellite; and triggering, by the first base station, establishment of a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device.

[0024] Based on the method of the third aspect, in the case that the first base station is a base station disposed on a satellite, and the second base station is a base station disposed on the ground, or in the case that the first base station is a base station disposed on the ground, and the second base station is a base station disposed on a satellite, the first base station can trigger establishment of a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device when it is determined to activate the first mode. In this way, the data of the terminal device can be transmitted by the data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device together when the data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device has been established, thereby improving the flexibility of data transmission.

[0025] It can be understood that the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device can comprise a data transmission channel between the second base station and a second core network element (such as a user plane function UPF element) for transmitting the data of the terminal device, or can comprise a data transmission channel between the second base station and a second core network element (such as a user plane function UPF element) for transmitting the data of the terminal device, and a data transmission channel between the second base station and the first base station for transmitting the data of the terminal device, and the specific configuration can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0026] In a possible design, the first base station triggers establishment of a data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device, including: the first base station sending indication information to a first core network element, the indication information being used to indicate that the data of the terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and the second base station; the first base station receiving first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, the first core network tunnel information being used for the second base station to send the data of the terminal device to a second core network element; and the first base station sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station. That is, the first base station can obtain the first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, and send the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, so that the second base station can send the data of the terminal device to the first core network element based on the first core network tunnel information.

[0027] Optionally, after the first base station sends the indication information to the first core network element, the method in the third aspect further includes: the first base station sending first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, the first access network tunnel information being used for the second core network element to send the data of the terminal device to the second base station. In this way, the first core network element can send the data of the terminal device to the second base station based on the first access network tunnel information.

[0028] Optionally, the first base station sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station includes: the first base station sending a first message to the second base station, the first message being used to request the second base station to create a data transmission channel between the second core network element, and the first message including the first core network tunnel information; and the first base station receiving first access network tunnel information from the second base station. That is, the first base station can send the first core network tunnel information to the second base station when requesting the access network tunnel information from the second base station. In this way, the communication overhead can be reduced.

[0029] In a possible design, the method in the third aspect further includes: the first base station triggering establishment of a data transmission channel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device. It can be understood that, in a case where a data transmission channel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device is not established, the first base station can trigger establishment of the data transmission channel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device after receiving the indication information. In this way, after the data transmission channel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device are established, the data of the terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and the second base station.

[0030] Optionally, before the first base station determines to activate the first mode, the method of the third aspect further comprises: receiving, by the first base station, first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, the first core network tunnel information being used for the first base station to send data of the terminal device to a second core network element; and triggering, by the first base station, establishment of a data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device, comprising: sending, by the first base station, the first core network tunnel information to the second base station. It can be understood that the second base station can send data of the terminal device to the second core network element based on the first core network tunnel information. In addition, the second core network element can be a user plane function (UPF) element.

[0031] Further, the method of the third aspect further comprises: sending, by the first base station, first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, the first access network tunnel information being used for the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station. It can be understood that the second core network element can send data of the terminal device to the second base station based on the first access network tunnel information.

[0032] Further, the first base station sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station comprises: sending, by the first base station, a first message to the second base station, the first message being used for requesting the second base station to create a data transmission channel with the second core network element, the first message comprising the first core network tunnel information; and receiving, by the first base station, first access network tunnel information from the second base station. That is, the first base station can send the first core network tunnel information to the second base station when requesting the access network tunnel information from the second base station. In this way, the communication overhead can be reduced.

[0033] Optionally, the first base station triggering establishment of the data transmission channel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device comprises: sending, by the first base station, indication information to the first core network element, the indication information being used for indicating that data of the terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and the second base station; and receiving, by the first base station, second core network tunnel information from the first core network element, the second core network tunnel information being used for the first base station to send data of the terminal device to the second core network element. In this way, the first base station can obtain the second core network tunnel information from the first core network element. And the first base station can send data of the terminal device to the second core network element based on the second core network tunnel information.

[0034] In a possible design, the first base station determining to activate the first mode includes: the first base station determining to activate the first mode according to at least one of the following: a quality of service (QoS) of the service, or a quality of experience (QoE) of the service, or the first base station having a first capability, where the first capability includes a capability of the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device with the second base station. For example, the first base station determines to activate the first mode according to that the first base station has the first capability. For another example, the first core network element determines to activate the first mode according to that the first core network element has the first capability and the QoS requirement of the service is high. In this way, the first base station can determine to activate the first mode according to actual conditions.

[0035] In a possible design, the method in the third aspect further includes: the first base station associating a data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, and a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. In this way, after receiving data from the terminal device, the first base station can transmit the data of the terminal device through the data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device.

[0036] In a possible design, the method in the third aspect further includes: the first base station triggering establishment of a data transmission channel between the first base station and the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. For example, the first base station can send third access network tunnel information to the second base station, where the third access network tunnel information is used by the second base station to send data of the terminal device to the first base station. The second base station can also send fourth access network tunnel information to the first base station, where the fourth access network tunnel information is used by the first base station to send data of the terminal device to the second base station. In this way, after the data transmission channel between the first base station and the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device is established, the first base station and the second base station can transmit data of the terminal device through the data transmission channel.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first core network element, or by a component of the first core network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the first core network element, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the function of the first core network element. The first core network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element. The method includes: receiving, by the first core network element, indication information from a first base station, the indication information being used to indicate that data of a terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and a second base station, the first base station being a base station arranged on a satellite, and the second base station being a base station arranged on the ground, or the first base station being a base station arranged on the ground, and the second base station being a base station arranged on a satellite; sending, by the first core network element, first core network tunnel information to the first base station, the first core network tunnel information being used for the second base station to send the data of the terminal device to a second core network element; or sending, by the first core network element, second core network tunnel information to the first base station, the second core network tunnel information being used for the first base station to send the data of the terminal device to the second core network element.

[0038] In a possible design, the method of the fourth aspect further includes: receiving, by the first core network element, first access network tunnel information from the first base station, the first access network tunnel information being used for the second core network element to send the data of the terminal device to the second base station; and sending, by the first core network element, the first access network tunnel information to the second core network element.

[0039] In a possible design, the method of the fourth aspect further includes: receiving, by the first core network element, second access network tunnel information from the first base station, the second access network tunnel information being used for the second core network element to send the data of the terminal device to the first base station; and sending, by the first core network element, the second access network tunnel information to the second core network element.

[0040] In addition, the technical effects of the method of the fourth aspect can also refer to the technical effects of the method of the third aspect, which will not be described here.

[0041] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: performing, by a first base station, the method of the first aspect, and performing, by a first core network element, the method of the second aspect.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: performing, by a first base station, the method of the third aspect, and performing, by a first core network element, the method of the fourth aspect.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes means for performing the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, e.g., a transceiver and a processor. For example, the transceiver is configured to perform the transmission function of the communication apparatus, and the processor is configured to perform the function of the communication apparatus other than the transmission function.

[0044] Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to perform the transmission function of the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect, and the receiver is configured to perform the reception function of the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect.

[0045] It can be understood that the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect can be a terminal device or a network device, or a chip (system) or other components or assemblies that can be arranged in the terminal device or the network device, or an apparatus including the terminal device or the network device, which are not limited in the present application.

[0046] In addition, the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect can refer to those of the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, which are not described herein again.

[0047] In an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes a processor configured to cause the communication apparatus to perform the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0048] In a possible design, the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect can further include a transceiver. The transceiver can be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be configured to enable the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect to communicate with another communication apparatus.

[0049] In a possible design, the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect can further include a memory. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or can be arranged separately. The memory can be configured to store the computer program and / or data related to the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0050] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect can be the terminal device or the network device in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, or a chip (system) or other components or assemblies that can be arranged in the terminal device or the network device, or an apparatus including the terminal device or the network device.

[0051] In addition, the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect can refer to those of the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, which are not described herein again.

[0052] A ninth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs the method described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0053] In one possible design, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the ninth aspect and other communication devices.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may be a terminal device or network device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device or network device, or may include the terminal device or network device.

[0055] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0056] A tenth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, causes the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0057] In one possible design, the communication device described in the tenth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the tenth aspect and other communication devices.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the tenth aspect may be a terminal device or network device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device or the network device, or may include the terminal device or the network device.

[0059] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the tenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0060] Eleventhly, a communication chip is provided, comprising: a logic circuit and a communication interface, wherein the logic circuit is used to execute computer instructions, and the communication interface is used for the communication chip to communicate with other devices or chips, wherein when the logic circuit executes the computer instructions, the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects is implemented.

[0061] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising: a first base station configured to perform the method of the first aspect; and a first core network network element configured to perform the method of the second aspect.

[0062] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising: a first base station configured to perform the method of the third aspect; and a first core network network element configured to perform the method of the fourth aspect.

[0063] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium comprising: a computer program or instructions; and when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer program or instructions cause the computer to perform the method of any possible implementation of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0064] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer program or instructions cause the computer to perform the method of any possible implementation of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0065] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a fourth generation (4G) mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a transparent forwarding mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a regenerative mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] For the convenience of understanding, the following first introduces technical terms related to the embodiments of the present application.

[0079] 1. Fourth generation (4th generation, 4G) mobile communication system (referred to as evolved packet system (evolved packet system, EPS))

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is an architecture schematic diagram of a 4G system according to an embodiment of the present application. The 4G system includes evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (universal mobile telecommunications system, UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (evolved UMTS territorial radio access network, E-UTRAN) equipment, a mobility management entity (mobility management entity, MME), a serving gateway (serving gateway, SGW), a packet data network (packet data network, PDN) gateway (PDN gateway, PGW), a policy and charging rules function (policy and charging rules function, PCRF) network element, and a home subscriber server (home subscriber server, HSS) and the like. Network element or equipment.

[0081] Among them, the user equipment (uesr equipment, UE) (introduced below) accesses the E-UTRAN equipment through the LTE-Uu, the E-UTRAN equipment communicates with the MME through the S1-MME, the E-UTRAN equipment communicates with the SGW through the S1-U, different MMEs communicate through the S10 (only one MME is exemplarily given in FIG. 1), the MME communicates with the HSS through the S6a, the MME communicates with the SGW through the S11, the SGW communicates with the PGW through the S5, the PGW accesses the server through the SGi, the PGW accesses the operator's internet protocol (internet protocol, IP) service (such as IP multimedia subsystem (IP multimedia subsystem, IMS) and the like) through the SGi, the PCRF communicates with the PGW through the Gx, and the PCRF accesses the operator's IP service through the Rx.

[0082] Optionally, in order to provide backward compatibility with the general packet radio service (GPRS) data service provided by the 2G / 3G system, better realize the interworking of the EPS and the 2G / 3G system, as shown in FIG. 1, the 4G system can further include the UTRAN / GSM or enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) radio access network (GERAN) equipment of the second generation (2G) / third generation (3G) system and a serving GPRS support node (SGSN), which participate in the inter-system movement of the terminal between the 4G system and the 2G / 3G system, including the movement in the idle state and the handover in the connected state, which are collectively described below and will not be described again. When the terminal accesses from the 2G / 3G system, the terminal communicates with the SGSN through the UTRAN / GERAN equipment, the UTRAN / GERAN equipment communicates with the SGW through S12, the SGSN communicates with the MME through S3, and the SGSN communicates with the SGW through S4.

[0083] 2. 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system (5G system, 5GS)

[0084] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the 5GS, as shown in FIG. 2, the 5GS includes an access network (AN) and a core network (CN), and can further include a terminal device.

[0085] The terminal device can be a terminal device with transceiver function, or a chip or chip system that can be disposed in the terminal device. The terminal device can also be referred to as a UE, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a user station, a mobile station (MS), a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user equipment. The terminal in the embodiments of the present application can be a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a Pad, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical treatment, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a road side unit (RSU) with terminal function, etc. The terminal device in the present application can also be a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip, or a vehicle-mounted unit built in a vehicle as one or more components or units. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type or category of terminal device.

[0086] The AN is used to implement access-related functions, can provide network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and can determine transmission links of different qualities to transmit user data according to the level of a user, the demand of a service, and the like. The AN forwards control signals and user data between a terminal and a CN. The AN can include an access network device, which can also be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device. The CN is mainly responsible for maintaining subscription data of a mobile network, and provides a terminal device with functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, and security authentication. The CN mainly includes the following: a user plane function (UPF), an authentication server function (AUSF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM), a unified data repository (UDR), an application function (AF), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), and an analytics data repository function (ADRF).

[0087] As shown in FIG. 2, a UE accesses a 5G network through a RAN device, the UE communicates with an AMF through an N1 interface (referred to as N1 for short); the RAN communicates with the AMF through an N2 interface (referred to as N2 for short); the RAN communicates with a UPF through an N3 interface (referred to as N3 for short); an SMF communicates with the UPF through an N4 interface (referred to as N4 for short), and the UPF accesses a data network (DN) through an N6 interface (referred to as N6 for short). In addition, the AUSF, AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, PCF, UDM, UDR, AF, NWDAF and the like control plane functions shown in FIG. 2 interact using service interfaces. For example, the service interface provided by the AUSF to the outside includes Nausf; the service interface provided by the AMF to the outside includes Namf; the service interface provided by the SMF to the outside includes Nsmf; the service interface provided by the NSSF to the outside includes Nnssf; the service interface provided by the NEF to the outside includes Nnef; the service interface provided by the NRF to the outside includes Nnrf; the service interface provided by the PCF to the outside includes Npcf; the service interface provided by the UDM to the outside includes Nudm; the service interface provided by the UDR to the outside includes Nudr; and the service interface provided by the AF to the outside includes Naf.

[0088] The RAN device can be a device providing access for the terminal device. For example, the RAN device can include a future communication network, for example, an access network device of the future communication network, for example, a base station of the future communication network, or in the future communication network, the network device can also have other naming ways, which are all included in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application, and the present application does not make any limitation on this. Or, the RAN device can also include a gNB in 5G, such as a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of the base station in 5G, or it can also be a network node constituting a gNB, a transmission and reception point (TRP or transmission point, TP) or a transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a building base band unit (BBU), or a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU), an RSU with base station function, or a wired access gateway, or a core network of 5G. Or, the RAN device can also include an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, etc.

[0089] The UPF is mainly responsible for user data processing (forwarding, receiving, charging, etc.).

[0090] The AUSF is mainly used to perform security authentication of the terminal device.

[0091] The AMF is mainly used for mobility management in the mobile network. For example, user location update, user registration network, user switching, etc.

[0092] The SMF is mainly used for session management in the mobile network. For example, session establishment, modification, release. Specific functions, such as allocating an internet protocol (IP) address for a user, selecting a UPF providing packet forwarding function, etc.

[0093] The PCF is mainly used to support providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, providing policy rules to control layer network functions, and being responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decision. The PCF can provide policies, such as quality of service (QoS) policies, slice selection policies, etc., to the AMF and the SMF.

[0094] The NSSF is mainly used for selecting a network slice for a terminal device.

[0095] The NEF is a control plane function provided by an operator, and is mainly used to enable third parties to use services provided by the network, support network exposure of capabilities, event and data analysis, conversion of information between a public land mobile network (PLMN) and a security arrangement, and conversion of information between inside and outside of a PLMN. For example, the NEF can expose some capabilities of a 5G network to a third-party application through an application program interface (API), and the third-party application can obtain some capabilities of the 5G network by calling the API provided by the NEF through an AF, so that the third-party application can control some behaviors of the 5G network and a terminal device.

[0096] The NRF is a control plane function provided by an operator, and can be used to maintain real-time information of network functions and services in a network.

[0097] The UDM is mainly used to store user data, such as subscription data, authentication / authorization data, and the like.

[0098] The UDR is mainly used to store structured data, and the stored content includes subscription data and policy data, structured data exposed to the outside, and application-related data.

[0099] The AF is mainly used to provide corresponding services by interacting with a CN, such as providing roaming UE visiting network selection information, guiding data flow routing, accessing the NEF, and the like.

[0100] For convenience of description, network functions (such as the NEF, the SMF, and the like) are collectively / referred to as NFs in embodiments of the present application, that is, the NFs described hereinafter in embodiments of the present application can be replaced by any network function. In addition, terminal devices are referred to as UEs in embodiments of the present application, that is, the UEs described hereinafter in embodiments of the present application can be replaced by terminal devices. FIG. 2 only schematically describes some network functions, and the NFs described hereinafter are not limited to the network functions shown in FIG. 2. In addition, in embodiments of the present application, the NFs can also be referred to as NF network elements, that is, the NFs and the NF network elements indicate the same content.

[0101] It should be understood that the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions, and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in future 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future communication networks, some or all of the above network elements can use the terms in 5G, or other names, and the like.

[0102] 3. NTN communication

[0103] Non-terrestrial communication has the advantages of wide coverage, long communication distance, high reliability, great flexibility, high throughput, and is not affected by geographical environment, climate conditions and natural disasters, and has been widely used in aviation communication, maritime communication and other fields. The introduction of NTN into the 5th generation (5G) mobile network can improve the performance of the communication system.

[0104] According to the working mode, the data transmission mode of NTN communication can be generally divided into two categories. The first type is a transparent forwarding mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the satellite forwards the information of the cell of the ground network device (such as a next generation Node-B (gNB)), and the role of the satellite is wireless frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, that is, the satellite mainly acts as a layer 1 relay (L1 relay), regenerates the physical layer signal, and does not have other higher protocol layers. In other words, for the transparent forwarding mode, the messages and data between the terminal device and the ground access network can be transmitted through the satellite. The second type is a regenerative mode, as shown in FIG. 4, the satellite has the processing function of the base station, that is, the access network function is set on the satellite, so that the satellite has the processing capability of the air interface signal. It should be understood that for the regenerative mode, in addition to the access network function can be set on the satellite, part or all of the core network function can also be set on the satellite.

[0105] Through research, it is found that in order to meet the future communication demand, the cell can be simultaneously supported by the above-mentioned regenerative mode or transparent transmission mode, that is, the terminal device in the cell can be served by the base station set on the satellite and the base station set on the ground. In other words, the terminal device residing in the cell can transmit data according to the actual situation through the regenerative mode or the transparent transmission mode, such as when the rate requirement of the service of the terminal device is high, the data can be transmitted through the regenerative mode, and such as when the rate requirement of the service of the terminal device is low, the data can be transmitted through the transparent transmission mode. In this case, how to improve the flexibility of transmitting data is a problem to be solved.

[0106] In view of the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application propose the following technical solutions to improve the flexibility of data transmission in the NTN communication scenario.

[0107] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0108] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system such as a new radio (NR) system, and a communication system evolved after 5G, such as a future communication system, and can also be applied to a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a vehicle networking communication system, and the like.

[0109] The present application will present various aspects, embodiments or features around a system that can include a plurality of devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system can include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or can not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Moreover, combinations of these aspects can also be used.

[0110] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the words such as "example", "for example", etc. are used to mean by way of example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the word "example" is intended to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, "information", "signal", "message", "channel", "signaling" can be used interchangeably at times, and it should be pointed out that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meanings expressed are matched. "Of", "corresponding" and "corresponding" can be used interchangeably at times, and it should be pointed out that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meanings expressed are matched. In addition, the " / " mentioned in the present application can be used to represent the relationship of "or".

[0112] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that as the network architecture evolves and new service scenarios appear, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0113] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first, a communication system suitable for the embodiments of the present application is introduced.

[0114] The communication system includes a first base station and a first core network element.

[0115] The first base station is a base station arranged on a satellite or the ground, and specific details can be referred to the foregoing “2.5GS”. Here, no further description is given. The first core network element can be used for session management in a mobile network, such as being responsible for user plane element selection, user plane element redirection, etc., and the first core network element can be an SMF element. It can be understood that in a future communication system, the first core network element can still be an SMF element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0116] Optionally, the above communication system can further include at least one of the following: a second base station, a second core network element, a third core network element, or a terminal device.

[0117] The second base station is a base station arranged on a satellite or the ground. It can be understood that when the first base station is a base station arranged on a satellite, the second base station is a base station arranged on the ground; or when the first base station is a base station arranged on the ground, the second base station is a base station arranged on a satellite. The second core network element can be used for packet routing and forwarding, quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, etc., and the second core network element can be a UPF element. The third core network can be used for mobility management in a mobile network, such as access control, mobility management, etc. And the third core network element can be an AMF element. It can be understood that in a future communication system, the second core network element can still be a UPF element, and the third core network element can still be an AMF element, or the second core network element or the third core network element can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application. The terminal device can be referred to the foregoing “2.5GS”, and no further description is given here.

[0118] It can be understood that other network devices and / or other terminal devices can also be included in the above communication system, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and no limitation is given.

[0119] The system architecture suitable for the above communication system is introduced as follows. As shown in FIG. 5, the base station 1 and the base station 2 provide services for the UE at the same time, the base station 1 is located on the satellite, and the base station 2 is located on the ground, that is, the satellite supports the above transparent forwarding mode and the regenerative mode at the same time, or the cell in which the UE resides supports the above transparent forwarding mode and the regenerative mode. There is a data transmission channel 1 between the base station 1 and the core network, a data transmission channel 2 between the base station 2 and the core network, and an Xn channel between the base station 1 and the base station 2. In (a) in FIG. 5, the base station 1 is responsible for the control plane, that is, the base station 1 is responsible for the connection (such as a radio resource control (RRC) connection) with the UE and the connection (such as an NG connection) with the core network element. In (b) in FIG. 5, the base station 2 is responsible for the control plane, that is, the base station 2 is responsible for the connection (such as an RRC connection) with the UE and the connection (such as an NG connection) with the core network element.

[0120] It can be understood that the data of the UE can be transmitted through the data transmission channel 1, or through the Xn channel and the data transmission channel 2, or through the data transmission channel 1, the Xn channel and the data transmission channel 2. For example, after receiving the data of the UE, the base station 1 can transmit the data through the data transmission channel 1, the Xn channel and the data transmission channel 2 respectively; after receiving the data from the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 respectively, the UPF can perform operations such as merging and deduplication on the two pieces of received data to obtain the data of the UE. For another example, the data of the UE can be divided into data 1 and data 2, after receiving the data of the UE, the base station 1 can transmit the data 1 through the data transmission channel 1 and the data 2 through the Xn channel and the data transmission channel 2; after receiving the data from the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 respectively, the UPF can perform operations such as merging on the two pieces of received data to obtain the data of the UE.

[0121] It can also be understood that the first base station can be the base station 1, and the second base station can be the base station 2; or the first base station can be the base station 2, and the second base station can be the base station 1.

[0122] In the above communication system, when the first base station is a base station arranged on a satellite and the second base station is a base station arranged on the ground, or when the first base station is a base station arranged on the ground and the second base station is a base station arranged on a satellite, the first core network element can instruct the first base station to trigger establishment of a data transmission channel for transmitting data of a terminal device by the second base station. In this way, in the case where a data transmission channel for transmitting data of a terminal device by the first base station has been established, the data of the terminal device can be transmitted by the first base station and the second base station together, so that the flexibility of data transmission can be improved.

[0123] For the convenience of understanding, the interaction process between the first base station, the second base station, the first core network element and the second core network element will be specifically introduced below by means of a method embodiment in combination with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0124] Scenario 1:

[0125] For example, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In scenario 1, when a protocol data unit (PDU) session or a quality of service (QoS) flow is initially established in a first mode (to be introduced below), the SMF (the first core network element) indicates to the base station 1 (the first base station) that the data of the UE 1 is transmitted through the base station 1 and the base station 2 (the second base station), and the base station 1 triggers to establish a data transmission channel of the base station 1 for transmitting the data of the UE 1 and a data transmission channel of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of the UE 1 according to the indication. It can be understood that the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is applicable to the communication system architecture described above in FIG. 5.

[0126] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the flow of the communication method is as follows:

[0127] S601, the SMF determines that the base station 1 has a capability of supporting the first mode.

[0128] The base station 1 is responsible for the control plane, that is, the base station 1 is the base station for establishing a signaling connection with the UE 1, that is, an RRC (radio resource control) connection has been established between the base station 1 and the UE 1, and an NG connection has been established between the base station 1 and the core network element (such as the AMF).

[0129] The first mode is to transmit the data of the terminal device through the base station 1 and the base station 2. Or, the first mode is to transmit the data of the UE 1 through the data transmission channel 1 between the base station 1 and the UPF and the data transmission channel 2 between the base station 2 and the UPF. It can be understood that when the first mode is activated for the PDU session or the QoS flow, the base station 1 or the UPF can transmit the same data through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2, or transmit different data through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 (to be introduced below in S6010 and S6012), which can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited.

[0130] The capability of supporting the first mode (denoted as the first capability) can be understood as the capability of transmitting data by the base station 1 and the base station 2, such as the capability of the base station 1 to transmit the data of the UE 1 with the base station 2. The determination by the SMF that the base station 1 has the first capability can also be understood as the SMF obtaining the capability of the base station 1 to support the first mode.

[0131] There are multiple ways for the SMF to determine that the base station 1 has the first capability, such as preconfiguring, by the network side, information (denoted as information #1) for indicating that the base station 1 has the first capability, or sending, by the base station 1, the information #1 to a core network element. The following will be described respectively.

[0132] Way 1: Preconfiguring the information #1 by the network side.

[0133] That is, the information #1 can be preconfigured in the core network element. In this case, the core network element can determine, according to the preconfigured information #1, that the base station 1 has the first capability. The core network element can be the SMF or other core network elements such as the AMF, etc. If the information #1 is configured in the SMF, the SMF can determine, according to the information #1, that the base station 1 has the first capability. If the information #1 is configured in other core network elements than the SMF, the SMF can obtain the information #1 from the other core network elements configured with the information #1, that is, the SMF can determine, from the other core network elements configured with the information #1, that the base station 1 has the first capability.

[0134] For example, the information #1 is preconfigured in the AMF, the SMF can send a message for determining that the base station 1 has the first capability to the AMF; the AMF can determine, according to the information #1, that the base station 1 has the first capability after receiving the message, and return a message for indicating that the base station 1 has the first capability to the SMF; and the SMF can determine, according to the message, that the base station 1 has the first capability. Of course, the SMF can also determine, in other ways, that the base station 1 has the first capability from other network elements, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the way in which the SMF obtains the information #1 from other network elements.

[0135] Way 2: The base station 1 sends the information #1 to the core network element.

[0136] For example, the base station 1 can send the information #1 when establishing a connection with the core network, or send the information #1 to the core network element when transmitting a non-access stratum (NAS) message sent by the UE 1 to the core network, such as sending the information #1 together with the NAS message. For example, the base station 1 can send the information #1 in a registration request message, a service request message, a PDU session establishment message, or a PDU modification message, etc. sent by the UE 1 to the core network, and the specific sending can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, which is not limited.

[0137] It can be understood that the above core network element can be the SMF or other core network elements such as the AMF, etc. When the core network element is other core network elements than the SMF, the SMF can obtain the information #1 from the other core network elements, and the specific way can be referred to the above description of the way 1, which will not be described here.

[0138] S602a, the UE 1 triggers to establish or modify a PDU session.

[0139] At the service starting, the UE 1 can trigger to establish a PDU session. For example, the UE 1 can send a PDU session establishment request message to the SMF through the AMF to request to establish a PDU session. It can be understood that the PDU session can be used to transmit data of the UE 1. And the PDU session establishment request message can include QoS requirements corresponding to the service.

[0140] When the UE 1 determines to modify an existing (or already existing) PDU session, the UE 1 can send a PDU session modification request message to the SMF through the AMF to request to modify the existing PDU session. It can be understood that the modified PDU session can be used to transmit data of the UE 1. And the PDU session modification request message can include QoS requirements corresponding to the service.

[0141] In addition, the specific implementation principle of S602a can refer to the prior art, which will not be described here.

[0142] S602b, an application function (AF) entity triggers to modify a PDU session.

[0143] After the service starts, the AF can trigger to modify the existing PDU session. For example, the AF can request a specific QoS for the UE 1 to the core network, and the core network can modify the QoS parameter, create a QoS flow, etc. for the UE 1 after receiving the request.

[0144] In addition, the specific implementation principle of S602b can refer to the prior art, which will not be described here.

[0145] It can be understood that S602a and S602b are two parallel schemes, that is, after S601, S602a or S602b can be performed, and after S602a or S602b is performed, S603 is performed.

[0146] S603, the SMF determines to activate a first mode.

[0147] The first mode can refer to the related description in the foregoing S601, which will not be described here.

[0148] The SMF can determine to activate the first mode according to at least one of the following: the base station 1 has a first capability, QoS of the service, or quality of experience (QoE) of the service.

[0149] For example, the SMF can determine to activate the first mode according to the first capability of the base station 1. That is, the SMF determines to activate the first mode when the base station 1 supports the first mode, or the SMF determines to activate the first mode when the base station 1 has the capability to support the first mode.

[0150] For another example, the SMF can determine to activate the first mode according to the first capability of the base station 1 and the QoS of the service. For example, the SMF determines to activate the first mode when the base station 1 supports the first mode and the QoS of the service is high.

[0151] For another example, the SMF can determine to activate the first mode according to the first capability of the base station 1 and the QoE of the service. For example, the SMF determines to activate the first mode when the base station 1 supports the first mode and the QoE of the service is high.

[0152] It can be understood that the specific manner in which the SMF determines to activate the first mode can be set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0153] In addition, the SMF can also determine to activate the first mode according to an indication of another device (such as the AMF, the base station 1, or the UE1, etc.). For example, the UE1 can send information indicating to activate the first mode to the SMF when determining to activate the first mode, and the SMF can determine to activate the first mode after receiving the information. It can be understood that the information can be carried in an existing message (such as the PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message described above), or can be sent through a newly defined message, and is not limited. The manner in which the UE1 determines to activate the first mode can be understood with reference to the manner in which the SMF determines to activate the first mode, which will not be described herein.

[0154] In S604, the SMF acquires two core network tunnel information (CN tunnel info).

[0155] After the SMF determines to activate the first mode, the SMF can acquire two core network tunnel information from the UPF. The two core network tunnel information are respectively used for the base station 1 and the base station 2 to send data of the UE1 to the UPF. For example, the SMF can send an N4 session establishment message or an N4 session modification message to the UPF to request (or indicate) the UPF to allocate two CN tunnel information. The N4 session establishment message is associated with the PDU session of the UE1, or the N4 session modification message is associated with the PDU session of the UE1.

[0156] It can be understood that the SMF can also indicate the UPF to perform the first mode for the N4 session. In this case, the UPF can determine that the first mode is currently performed, i.e., the PDU session or the QoS flow transmits the data of the UE 1 through the base station 1 and the base station 2. In this way, it is convenient for the UPF to perform subsequent operations, such as merging, deduplication, etc. when receiving data from the base station 1 and the base station 2.

[0157] S605, the SMF sends the N2 session management information to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the N2 session management information from the SMF.

[0158] The N2 session management information includes at least one of the following: information (denoted as information #2) for indicating that the first mode is activated, a PDU session identifier, a QoS flow identifier (QFI), or two CN tunnel information allocated by the UPF. The QFI is used to indicate the QoS flow corresponding to the first mode, i.e., the QoS flow in S602a or S602b described above. It can be understood that the N2 session management information is the information sent by the SMF to the base station 1, and the PDU session identifier and the QFI carried in the N2 session management information can indicate the PDU session and the QoS flow corresponding to the first mode to the base station 1, i.e., which PDU session and which QoS flow in the PDU session activate the first mode.

[0159] It can be understood that the SMF can also send the N1 session management container to the base station 1 when sending the N2 session management information to the base station 1. The N1 session management container can include a PDU session establishment acceptance message, a PDU session modification acceptance message, or a PDU session modification message. The PDU session establishment acceptance message is used to indicate that the SMF accepts the request for PDU session establishment. The PDU session modification acceptance message is used to indicate that the SMF accepts the request for PDU session modification. The PDU session modification message can indicate to modify the PDU session. For example, in the case that the UE 1 sends a PDU session establishment request message to the SMF, the N1 session management container includes the PDU session establishment acceptance message; or in the case that the UE 1 sends a PDU session modification request message to the SMF, the N1 session management container includes the PDU session modification acceptance message. It can also be understood that the base station 1 does not parse the N1 session management container after receiving the N1 session management container, but transmits the N1 session management container to the UE 1 in subsequent operations (such as S608).

[0160] In addition, the SMF can send the N2 session management information to the AMF through an N1N2 transmission message; after receiving the N2 session management information, the AMF can send the N2 session management information to the base station 1 through an N2 session request message. Alternatively, the SMF can send the N2 session management information and an N1 session management container to the AMF through an N1N2 transmission message; after receiving the N2 session management information and the N1 session management container, the AMF can send the N2 session management information and the N1 session management container to the base station 1 through an N2 session request message. It can be understood that the N1N2 transmission message and the N2 session request message can also be replaced by other types of messages or newly defined messages, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions and are not limited.

[0161] S606, the base station 1 sends a message 1 to the base station 2. Correspondingly, the base station 2 receives the message 1 from the base station 1.

[0162] The base station 2 can provide services for the UE 1. It can be understood that when the base station 1 is a base station arranged on a satellite, the base station 2 is a base station arranged on the ground; or when the base station 1 is a base station arranged on the ground, the base station 2 is a base station arranged on a satellite.

[0163] The message 1 is used to request the base station 2 to create a data transmission channel with the UPF. The message 1 can include CN tunnel information (denoted as CN tunnel information 1) allocated by the UPF, which can be used by the base station 2 to send data of the UE 1 to the UPF. It can be understood that the CN tunnel information 1 can be any one of two CN tunnel information allocated by the UPF; and the CN tunnel information (denoted as CN tunnel information 2) not sent to the base station 2 of the two CN tunnel information allocated by the UPF can be used by the base station 1 to send data of the UE 1 to the UPF. In addition, the base station 1 can send the CN tunnel information 1 through multiplexing existing messages or newly defined messages, which are not limited.

[0164] S607, the base station 2 sends a message 2 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the message 2 from the base station 2.

[0165] That is, after receiving the message 1, the base station 2 can send a response message, i.e., the message 2, to the base station 1 based on the message 1.

[0166] The message 2 includes access network tunnel information (denoted as AN tunnel information 1) allocated by the base station 2. The AN tunnel information 1 can be used by the UPF to send data of the UE 1 to the base station 2. The message 2 can also include a QFI. The QFI is used to indicate a QoS flow corresponding to the AN tunnel information 1, i.e., a QoS flow for which the data transmission channel is established.

[0167] It can be understood that in S606 and S607, the base station 1 and the base station 2 can also interact the context of the UE 1, the PDU session identifier, the QFI, the QoS parameter, and the transmission channel information between the base station 1 and the base station 2, and the like. The specific implementation can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0168] S608, the base station 1 sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE 1. Correspondingly, the UE 1 receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the base station 1.

[0169] The RRC reconfiguration message can include at least one of the following: an N1 session management container, a QFI, or a data radio bearer (DRB) configuration parameter. The N1 session management container can refer to the related description in the foregoing S605, and will not be described here. The RRC reconfiguration message can refer to the prior art, and will not be described here.

[0170] S609, the base station 1 sends an N2 session management response message to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N2 session management response message from the base station 1.

[0171] The N2 session management response message includes the AN tunnel information 1 allocated by the base station 2 and the AN tunnel information 2 allocated by the base station 1. The N2 session management response message can also include a QFI, which can refer to the related description above, and will not be described here.

[0172] It can be understood that the base station 1 can send the AN tunnel information #1 and the AN tunnel information #2 to the SMF through the AMF.

[0173] S6010, the base station 1 associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0174] The data transmission channel 1 is a data transmission channel used by the base station 1 to transmit data of the UE 1, or in other words, a data transmission channel used by the base station 1 and the UPF to transmit data of the UE 1. The data transmission channel 2 is a data transmission channel used by the base station 2 to transmit data of the UE 1, or in other words, a data transmission channel used by the base station 2 and the UPF to transmit data of the UE 1.

[0175] In the embodiment of the application, the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 have an association relationship. After associating the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2, the base station 1 can transmit data of the UE 1 through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0176] It can be understood that when the base station 1 receives the data sent by the UE 1, the base station 1 can copy the data to obtain two copies of the data; the base station 1 can send one of the two copies of the data to the UPF and send the other copy of the data to the base station 2, so that the base station 2 sends the data to the UPF. Alternatively, when the base station 1 receives the data sent by the UE 1, the base station 1 can divide the data to obtain two copies of the divided data; the base station 1 can send one of the two copies of the data to the UPF and send the other copy of the data to the base station 2, so that the base station 2 sends the data to the UPF. In addition, when the base station 1 receives the data sent by the UE 1, the base station 1 can also choose to send the data to the UPF or send the data to the base station 2 so that the base station 2 sends the data to the UPF.

[0177] In addition, after receiving the data from the UPF and the base station 2, the base station 1 can perform merging and other processing on the two received data, and send the processed data to the UE 1.

[0178] S6011, the SMF sends the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 from the SMF.

[0179] The SMF can send the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF through an N4 session modification message. Of course, the SMF can also send the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF through other types of messages or newly defined messages, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0180] It can be understood that when the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2, it means that the UPF and the base station 1 and the base station 2 complete the establishment of the data transmission channel.

[0181] S6012, the UPF associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0182] That is, the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 have an association relationship. After the UPF associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2, the UPF can send the data of the UE 1 to the base station 1 through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0183] UPF receives data from base station 1 and data from base station 2, can combine the two data and the like, obtain processed data, and send the processed data to the application server. After receiving the data from the application server, the UPF can copy the data to obtain two data; the UPF can send one of the two data to the base station 1 through the data transmission channel 1, and send the other data to the base station 2 through the data transmission channel 2, so that the base station 2 sends the data to the base station 1. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned "data transmission channel" is only an example of the description, and the "data transmission channel" can also be replaced by any other possible description, such as "N3 tunnel", "transmission channel", etc., without limitation.

[0184] In summary, according to the introduction of scenario 1, it can be known that when the PDU session or the QoS flow is established or modified, the SMF can indicate to the base station 1 to transmit the data of UE 1 through the base station 1 and the base station 2, at this time the base station 1 can trigger to establish the data transmission channel 1 of the base station 1 for transmitting the data of UE 1, and the data transmission channel 2 of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of UE 1, so as to realize the subsequent transmission of the data of UE 1 through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0185] Scenario 2:

[0186] For example, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. In scenario 2, when the PDU session or the QoS flow is initially established as the regenerative mode or the transparent transmission mode, the SMF (the first core network element) indicates to the base station 1 (the first base station) to transmit the data of UE 1 through the base station 1 and the base station 2 (the second base station), and the base station 1 triggers to establish the data transmission channel of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of UE 1 according to the indication. In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is applicable to the communication system architecture described in the above-mentioned FIG. 5.

[0187] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the flow of the communication method is as follows:

[0188] S701, the SMF determines that the base station 1 has the capability to support the first mode.

[0189] S702, the UE 1 triggers to establish a PDU session.

[0190] The specific implementation principles of S701-S702 can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S601-S602a, which will not be described here.

[0191] S703, the SMF obtains CN tunnel information 1.

[0192] The CN tunnel information 1 is used for the base station 1 to send data of the UE 1 to the UPF. For example, the SMF can send an N4 session establishment message to the UPF to request (or instruct) the UPF to allocate a CN tunnel information. The N4 session establishment message is associated with the PDU session of the UE 1, or the N4 session modification message is associated with the PDU session of the UE 1.

[0193] S704, the SMF sends an N2 session management information 1 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the N2 session management information 1 from the SMF.

[0194] The N2 session management information 1 includes at least one of the following: a PDU session identifier, a QFI, or the CN tunnel information 1. It can be understood that the N2 session management information 1 is similar to the N2 session management information in the foregoing S605, except that the N2 session management information 1 in S704 includes the CN tunnel information 1, and the N2 session management information 1 does not include the information #2, the N2 session management information in S605 includes two CN tunnel information allocated by the UPF, and other same parts can be referred to each other, which will not be described here.

[0195] It can be understood that the SMF can also send an N1 session management container to the base station 1 when sending the N2 session management information to the base station 1. The N1 session management container can include a PDU session establishment acceptance message, which can be referred to the foregoing related description in S605, and will not be described here.

[0196] It can also be understood that the base station 1 can send data of the UE 1 to the UPF according to the CN tunnel information 1 after receiving the CN tunnel information 1.

[0197] S705, the base station 1 sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE 1. Correspondingly, the UE 1 receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the base station 1.

[0198] The RRC reconfiguration message can include at least one of the following: an N1 session management container, a QFI, or a DRB configuration parameter. The N1 session management container can be referred to the foregoing related description in S704, and will not be described here. The RRC reconfiguration message can be referred to the prior art, and will not be described here.

[0199] S706, the base station 1 sends an N2 session management response message 1 to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N2 session management response message 1 from the base station 1.

[0200] The N2 session management response message 1 includes an AN tunnel information 1 allocated by the base station 1. The AN tunnel information 1 is used for the UPF to send data of the UE 1 to the base station 1. The N2 session management response message 1 can also include a QFI, which can be referred to the foregoing related description, and will not be described here.

[0201] It can be understood that the base station 1 can send the N2 session management response message 1 to the SMF through the AMF.

[0202] S707, the SMF sends the AN tunnel information 1 to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 1 from the SMF.

[0203] The SMF can send the AN tunnel information 1 to the UPF through the N4 session modification message. Of course, the SMF can also send the AN tunnel information 1 to the UPF through other types of messages or newly defined messages, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0204] It can be understood that when the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 1, it can indicate that the UPF and the base station 1 have completed the establishment of the data transmission channel 1, that is, the UPF and the base station 1 can transmit the data of the UE 1 through the data transmission channel. In other words, in the embodiment of the application, the PDU session or the QoS flow is initially established in the regeneration mode or the transparent transmission mode, that is, when the base station 1 is a base station arranged on a satellite, the PDU session or the QoS flow is initially established in the regeneration mode; when the base station 1 is a base station arranged on the ground, the PDU session or the QoS flow is initially established in the transparent transmission mode. In addition, the base station 1 and the UPF can also establish the data transmission channel through other ways, which is not limited.

[0205] It can also be understood that after the establishment of the data transmission channel 1, the UE 1 or the AF entity can also trigger the modification of the PDU session, which can be referred to the related description of the foregoing S602a-S602b, and will not be described here. After the UE 1 or the AF entity triggers the modification of the PDU session, the SMF determines to activate the first mode, that is, the following S708.

[0206] S708, the SMF determines to activate the first mode.

[0207] The specific implementation principle of S708 can be referred to the related description of the foregoing S603, and will not be described here.

[0208] S709, the SMF obtains the CN tunnel information 2.

[0209] After the SMF determines to activate the first mode, the SMF can obtain another CN tunnel information from the UPF, that is, the CN tunnel information 2. The CN tunnel information 2 is used for the base station 2 to send the data of the UE 1 to the UPF. Illustratively, the SMF can send the N4 session modification message to the UPF to instruct the UPF to allocate a CN tunnel information. The N4 session modification message is associated with the PDU session of the UE 1.

[0210] In addition, the SMF can also indicate the N4 session to perform the first mode to the UPF, which can be learned from the foregoing description of S604, and thus no further repetition is provided herein.

[0211] S7010, the SMF sends N2 session management information 2 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the N2 session management information 2 from the SMF.

[0212] The N2 session management information 2 includes at least one of the following: information (denoted as information #2) for indicating to activate the first mode, a PDU session identifier, a QFI, or CN tunnel information 2. It can be understood that the N2 session management information 2 in S7010 is similar to the N2 session management information in the foregoing S605, except that the N2 session management information 2 in S7010 includes the CN tunnel information 2, and the N2 session management information in S605 includes two CN tunnel information allocated by the UPF, and other same parts can be mutually referred to, and thus no further repetition is provided herein.

[0213] S7011, the base station 1 sends message 1 to the base station 2. Correspondingly, the base station 2 receives the message 1 from the base station 1.

[0214] The base station 2 can provide services for the UE 1, which can be learned from the foregoing description of S606, and thus no further repetition is provided herein.

[0215] The message 1 is used to request the base station 2 to create a data transmission channel between the base station 2 and the UPF. The message 1 can include the CN tunnel information 2, which can be used by the base station 2 to send data of the UE 1 to the UPF. It can be understood that the base station 1 can send the CN tunnel information 2 by multiplexing an existing message or a newly defined message, which is not limited.

[0216] S7012, the base station 2 sends message 2 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the message 2 from the base station 2.

[0217] The message 2 includes access network tunnel information (denoted as AN tunnel information 2) allocated by the base station 2. The message 2 can also include a QFI.

[0218] In addition, the specific implementation principle of S7012 can be learned from the foregoing description of S607, and thus no further repetition is provided herein.

[0219] S7013, the base station 1 sends an N2 session management response message 2 to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N2 session management response message 2 from the base station 1.

[0220] The N2 session management response message includes the AN tunnel information 2. The N2 session management response message can also include a QFI, which can be learned from the foregoing description, and thus no further repetition is provided herein.

[0221] It can be understood that the base station 1 can send the AN tunnel information 2 to the SMF through the AMF.

[0222] S7014, the base station 1 associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0223] The specific implementation principle of S7014 can be referred to the related description of S6010, and details are not described herein again.

[0224] S7015, the SMF sends the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 2 from the SMF.

[0225] The SMF can send the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF through the N4 session modification message. Of course, the SMF can also send the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF through other types of messages or newly defined messages, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0226] It can be understood that when the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 2, it can indicate that the UPF and the base station 2 have completed the establishment of the data transmission channel 2, that is, the UPF and the base station 2 can transmit the data of the UE 1 through the data transmission channel 2.

[0227] S7016, the UPF associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0228] The specific implementation principle of S7016 can be referred to the related description of S6012, and details are not described herein again. In summary, according to the introduction of scenario 2, in the case of initial establishment of the PDU session or the QoS flow in the regenerative mode or the transparent transmission mode, when the SMF determines to activate the first mode, the SMF can indicate the base station 1 to transmit the data of the UE 1 through the base station 1 and the base station 2. At this time, the base station 1 can trigger the establishment of the data transmission channel 2 of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of the UE 1, so as to realize the subsequent transmission of the data of the UE 1 through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0229] It can be understood that the embodiments shown in the above FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 are applicable to 5GS. In EPS, the MME has the function of the AMF, that is, the MME can perform the related operations of the AMF; the SGW and / or the PGW has the function of the UPF, that is, the SGW and / or the PGW can perform the related operations of the UPF. When the embodiments shown in the above FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 are used in EPS, the above AMF can be replaced by the MME, and the UPF can be replaced by the SGW and / or the PGW, and details are not described herein again. In addition, with the evolution of the network, in the future communication network, various NFs, network elements, connection modes, information names, or message names in the embodiments shown in the above FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 can be changed, such as being replaced by other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0230] It can also be understood that in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-7, a data transmission channel (denoted as data transmission channel 3) for transmitting data of UE1 can be established between base station 1 and base station 2. For example, base station 1 can send AN tunnel information 3 to base station 2, which is used for base station 2 to send data of the terminal device to base station 1; base station 2 can send AN tunnel information 4 to base station 1, which is used for base station 1 to send data of the terminal device to base station 2. The timing of establishing data transmission channel 3 between base station 1 and base station 2 can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, such as when base station 1 sends message 1 to base station 2, base station 1 can carry AN tunnel information 3 in message 1, and base station 2 can carry AN tunnel information 4 in message 2, or for example, base station 1 can establish data transmission channel 3 with base station 2 after sending AN tunnel information 1 and AN tunnel information 2 to the SMF. In addition, the data transmission channel used by base station 2 to transmit data of the terminal device can be understood as the above-mentioned data transmission channel 2, or as the above-mentioned data transmission channel 2 and data transmission channel 3, which can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited.

[0231] It can also be understood that base station 1 can also associate data transmission channel 3 and data transmission channel 1. In this way, base station 1 can send or receive data of UE1 through base station 2.

[0232] The above describes in detail the flow of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the application in combination with FIGS. 6 and 7. The overall flow of the communication method is introduced below in combination with FIG. 8.

[0233] For example, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the communication method. The communication method mainly involves the interaction between a first base station and a first core network element. The first base station can be understood as base station 1 in the above-mentioned scenario 1 and scenario 2, and the first core network element can be understood as the SMF in the above-mentioned scenario 1 and scenario 2.

[0234] As shown in FIG. 8, the flow of the communication method is as follows:

[0235] S801, the first core network element sends indication information to the first base station. Correspondingly, the first base station receives the indication information from the first core network element.

[0236] The first base station is responsible for the control plane, that is, the first base station is the base station that establishes a signaling connection with the terminal device, that is, a connection such as an RRC connection has been established between the first base station and the terminal device, and a connection such as an NG connection has been established between the first base station and the core network element (such as a third core network element). In addition, the first base station can refer to the related description of base station 1 in the foregoing FIGS. 6 or 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] The indication information is used to indicate that the data of the terminal device (UE1 in the above scenarios 1 and 2) is transmitted by the first base station and the second base station (the base station 2 in the above scenarios 1 and 2). In other words, the indication information is used to indicate that the first mode is activated. The first mode is that the data of the terminal device is transmitted by the first base station and the second base station, which can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again. In addition, the indication information can be referred to the related description of the information #2 in the foregoing S605 or S7010, and details are not described herein again.

[0238] It can be understood that the first base station is a base station arranged on a satellite, and the second base station is a base station arranged on the ground; or the first base station is a base station arranged on the ground, and the second base station is a base station arranged on a satellite. The second base station can be referred to the related description of the base station 2 in the foregoing FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, and details are not described herein again.

[0239] Optionally, before the first core network element sends the indication information to the first base station, the above communication method can further include that the first core network element determines that the first base station has a first capability, and the first capability includes the capability of the first base station and the second base station to transmit the data of the terminal device. That is, before the first core network element indicates that the data of the terminal device is transmitted by the first base station and the second base station, the first core network element first determines that the first base station can transmit the data of the terminal device with the second base station, so as to avoid the failure of establishing the data transmission channel 2. In addition, the first capability can be referred to the related description in the related description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again.

[0240] There are various ways for the first core network element to determine that the first base station has the first capability, such as: the network side can pre-configure information used to indicate that the first base station has the first capability, which can be referred to the related description of the first way in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again; or the first base station can send information used to indicate that the first base station has the first capability to the core network element, which can be referred to the related description of the second way in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again.

[0241] Exemplarily, the first core network element determining that the first base station has the first capability can specifically include that the first base station sends first information to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receives the first information from the first base station, where the first information is used to indicate that the first base station has the first capability; and the first core network element determines that the first base station has the first capability according to the first information. In this way, the first base station can be determined to have the first capability according to the actual situation.

[0242] Optionally, before the first core network element sends the indication information to the first base station, the above communication method can further include: the first core network element determines to send the indication information according to at least one of the following: QoS of the service, QoE of the service, or the first base station has a first capability, the first capability including a capability of the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device with the second base station, which can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S603, and details are not described herein again. In addition, the first capability can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again.

[0243] It can be understood that the first core network element can also determine to activate the first mode according to an indication of another device (such as a terminal device, a third core network element, or the first base station, etc.), which can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S603, and details are not described herein again.

[0244] S802, in response to the indication information, the first base station triggers to establish a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device.

[0245] After the first base station receives the indication information, if the first base station has established a data transmission channel (referred to as data transmission channel 1) for transmitting data of the terminal device, that is, if the current PDU session or QoS flow is in the regeneration mode or the transparent forwarding mode, the first base station can trigger to establish a data transmission channel (referred to as data transmission channel 2) of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. If the first base station has not established the data transmission channel 1, that is, the current PDU session or QoS flow is initially established in the first mode, the first base station can trigger to establish the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2. The following cases are described.

[0246] Case 1: The first base station has established the data transmission channel 1.

[0247] In this case, before the first base station (the base station 1 in the above scenario 2) triggers to establish a data transmission channel of the second base station (the base station 2 in the above scenario 2) for transmitting data of the terminal device, the above communication method can further include: the first core network element (the SMF in the above scenario 2) sends first core network tunnel information (the CN tunnel information 2 in the above scenario 2) to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, wherein the first core network tunnel information is used for the second base station to send data of the terminal device to the second core network element (the UPF in the above scenario 2); the above first base station triggering to establish a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device can specifically include: the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first base station.

[0248] The first core network tunnel information can refer to the related description of the CN tunnel information 2 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and details are not described herein again. It can be understood that the first core network tunnel information and the indication information described above can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and the specific implementation can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0249] Optionally, the first base station sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station can specifically include: the first base station sending a first message to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receiving the first message from the first base station, where the first message is used to request the second base station to create a data transmission channel between the second base station and the second core network element, and the first message includes the first core network tunnel information; the second base station sending first access network tunnel information (AN tunnel information 2 in the above scenario 2) to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receiving the first access network tunnel information from the second base station. That is, the first base station can request the second base station to allocate access network tunnel information for transmitting data of the terminal device between the second base station and the second core network element when sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station. In addition, the first message can refer to the related description of the message 1 in S7011, and the first access network tunnel information can refer to the related description of the AN tunnel information 2 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and details are not described herein again.

[0250] After the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, the above communication method can further include: the first base station sending the first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receiving the first access network tunnel information from the first base station, where the first access network tunnel information is used for the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station; the first core network element sending the first access network tunnel information to the second core network element, and correspondingly, the second core network element receiving the first access network tunnel information from the first core network element.

[0251] The first access network tunnel information can refer to the related description of the AN tunnel information 2 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and details are not described herein again. It can be understood that when the second core network element receives the first access network tunnel information, it can indicate that the establishment of the data transmission channel 2 between the second core network element and the second base station is completed, that is, the second core network element and the second base station can transmit data of the terminal device through the data transmission channel 2. The second core network element can also associate the data transmission channel (data transmission channel 1 in the above scenario 2) used by the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel (data transmission channel 2 in the above scenario 2) used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device, and details can refer to the related description in the above S7016, and details are not described herein again.

[0252] After the first base station sends the first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, the communication method can further include that the first base station associates a data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device and a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. Details can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S7014, and details are not described herein again.

[0253] Case 2: The first base station does not establish the data transmission channel 1.

[0254] In this case, after the first base station (the base station 1 in the foregoing scenario 2) receives the indication information from the first core network element (the SMF in the foregoing scenario 2), the communication method can further include that the first base station triggers establishment of a data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. That is, after the first base station receives the indication information, the first base station triggers establishment of the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2. Details can be referred to the related description in the foregoing embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and details are not described herein again.

[0255] Before the first base station triggers establishment of the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, the communication method can further include that the first core network element sends first core network tunnel information (the CN tunnel information 1 in the foregoing scenario 1) to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first core network element. The first core network tunnel information is used for the second base station to send data of the terminal device to a second core network element (the UPF in the foregoing scenario 1). The first base station triggering establishment of the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device can specifically include that the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first base station.

[0256] The first core network tunnel information can be referred to the related description of the CN tunnel information 1 in the foregoing embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and details are not described herein again. It can be understood that the first core network tunnel information and the indication information can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and details can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and are not limited.

[0257] Optionally, the sending, by the first base station, of the first core network tunnel information to the second base station can specifically include: the first base station sending a first message to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receiving the first message from the first base station, wherein the first message is used to request the second base station to create a data transmission channel between the second base station and the second core network element, and the first message includes the first core network tunnel information; the second base station sending first access network tunnel information to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receiving the first access network tunnel information from the second base station. That is, the first base station can request the second base station to allocate access network tunnel information for the second base station and the second core network element to transmit data of the terminal device when sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station. In addition, the first message can refer to the related description of the message 1 in S606, and the first access network tunnel information can refer to the related description of the AN tunnel information 1 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, which will not be repeated here.

[0258] After the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, the above communication method can further include: the first base station sending first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receiving the first access network tunnel information from the first base station, wherein the first access network tunnel information is used for the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station; the first core network element sending the first access network tunnel information to the second core network element, and correspondingly, the second core network element receiving the first access network tunnel information from the first core network element.

[0259] The first access network tunnel information can refer to the related description of the AN tunnel information 1 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, which will not be repeated here. It can be understood that when the second core network element receives the first access network tunnel information, it can indicate that the establishment of the data transmission channel 2 between the second core network element and the second base station is completed, that is, the second core network element and the second base station can transmit data of the terminal device through the data transmission channel 2.

[0260] Before the first base station triggers establishment of the data transmission tunnel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device, the communication method can further include: the first core network element sending second core network tunnel information (CN tunnel information 1 in the above scenario 1) to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receiving the second core network tunnel information from the first core network element, where the second core network tunnel information is used for the first base station to send data of the terminal device to the second core network element; and the first base station triggering establishment of the data transmission tunnel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device can specifically include: the first base station sending second access network tunnel information (AN tunnel information 2 in the above scenario 1) to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receiving the second access network tunnel information from the first base station, where the second access network tunnel information is used for the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the first base station; and the communication method can further include: the first core network element sending the second access network tunnel information to the second core network element, and correspondingly, the second core network element receiving the second access network tunnel information from the first core network element.

[0261] It can be understood that the second core network tunnel information can be carried in the same message as the first core network tunnel information, and details can be referred to the foregoing description in S605, which will not be repeated here. The second core network tunnel information and the first core network tunnel information can also be carried in different messages, that is, the data transmission tunnel 1 and the data transmission tunnel 2 can be established respectively, without limitation.

[0262] After the second core network element receives the first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information, the second core network element can further associate the data transmission tunnel (the data transmission tunnel 1 in the above scenario 2) for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device and the data transmission tunnel (the data transmission tunnel 2 in the above scenario 2) for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device, and details can be referred to the foregoing description in S6012, which will not be repeated here.

[0263] In addition, after the first base station sends the first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, the communication method can further include: the first base station associating the data transmission tunnel for the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device and the data transmission tunnel for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device, and details can be referred to the foregoing description in S6010, which will not be repeated here.

[0264] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the data transmission tunnel for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device can be the data transmission tunnel 2; or the data transmission tunnel 2 and the data transmission tunnel (referred to as the data transmission tunnel 3) between the second base station and the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device.

[0265] When the data transmission channel used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device is the data transmission channel 2 and the data transmission channel 3, the first base station can establish the data transmission channel 2 and the data transmission channel 3 through the second base station after triggering establishment of the data transmission channel used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device.

[0266] When the data transmission channel used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device is the data transmission channel 2, the first base station can further trigger establishment of the data transmission channel 3 after receiving the indication information, that is, the above-mentioned communication method can further include: the first base station triggers establishment of the data transmission channel 3. In this way, the first base station and the second base station can transmit data of the terminal device through the data transmission channel after the data transmission channel used by the first base station and the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device is established. For example, the first base station can send third access network tunnel information to the second base station, and the third access network tunnel information is used by the second base station to send data of the terminal device to the first base station. The second base station can also send fourth access network tunnel information to the first base station, and the fourth access network tunnel information is used by the first base station to send data of the terminal device to the second base station. In addition, the first base station can associate the data transmission channel 3 and the data transmission channel 1. In this way, the first base station can conveniently send or receive data of the terminal device through the second base station.

[0267] To sum up, in the embodiments of the present application, when the first base station and the second base station can both provide services for the terminal device, the first core network element can instruct the first base station to trigger establishment of a data transmission channel used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device. In this way, the first base station and the second base station can jointly transmit data of the terminal device, thereby improving the flexibility of data transmission.

[0268] In addition, the embodiments shown in FIG. 8 can be understood with reference to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-7 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] The above-mentioned embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-8 introduce related content of activation of the first mode by the first core network element. The following will introduce related content of activation of the first mode by the first base station through method embodiments in combination with FIGS. 9-11.

[0270] Scenario 3:

[0271] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth example of a communication method according to the embodiments of the present application. In scenario 3, in the process of PDU session establishment or modification, the base station 1 (first base station) can determine to activate the first mode, i.e., to determine to transmit the data of the UE 1 via the base station 1 and the base station 2 (second base station), and trigger the establishment of a data transmission channel of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of the UE 1. The first mode can refer to the related description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again. In addition, the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 is applicable to the communication system architecture described in Fig. 5.

[0272] S901a, the UE 1 triggers the establishment or modification of the PDU session.

[0273] S901b, the AF entity triggers the modification of the PDU session.

[0274] It can be understood that the specific implementation principles of S901a and S901b can refer to the related description of the foregoing S602a and S602b, respectively, and details are not described herein again.

[0275] It can be understood that S901a and S901b are two parallel schemes, i.e., after S901a or S901b, S902 is performed.

[0276] S902, the SMF obtains the CN tunnel information 1.

[0277] S903, the SMF sends the N2 session management information 1 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the N2 session management information 1 from the SMF.

[0278] It can be understood that the specific implementation principles of S902-S903 can refer to the related description of the foregoing S703-S704, and details are not described herein again.

[0279] S904, the base station 1 determines to activate the first mode.

[0280] The first mode is to transmit the data of the terminal device via the base station 1 and the base station 2, and details can refer to the related description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again.

[0281] The base station 1 can determine to activate the first mode according to at least one of the following: the base station 1 has the first capability, the QoS of the service, or the QoE of the service. It can be understood that the specific implementation principles of the base station 1 determining to activate the first mode are similar to the specific implementation principles of the SMF determining to activate the first mode in the foregoing S603, and details can refer to the related description in the foregoing S603, e.g., the SMF in S603 can be replaced by the base station 1, and details are not described herein again.

[0282] In addition, the base station 1 can also determine to activate the first mode according to an indication of another device (such as the SMF, the base station 1, or the UE 1, etc.). For example, the SMF can send information indicating to activate the first mode to the base station 1 when determining to activate the first mode, and the base station 1 can determine to activate the first mode after receiving the information. It can be understood that the information can be carried in an existing message (such as an N1N2 transmission message) or sent through a newly defined message, which is not limited. The manner in which the SMF determines to activate the first mode can refer to the related description in the foregoing S603, which will not be described here.

[0283] S905, the base station 1 sends a message 1 to the base station 2. Correspondingly, the base station 2 receives the message 1 from the base station 1.

[0284] The message 1 is used to request the base station 2 to create a data transmission channel with the UPF. The message 1 can include CN tunnel information 1, which can be used by the base station 2 to send data of the UE 1 to the UPF.

[0285] It can be understood that the base station 1 can also send the CN tunnel information 1 through other types of messages, which is not limited.

[0286] S906, the base station 2 sends a message 2 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the message 2 from the base station 2.

[0287] S907, the base station 1 sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE 1. Correspondingly, the UE 1 receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the base station 1.

[0288] The specific implementation principles of S905-S907 can refer to the related description of the foregoing S606-S608, which will not be described here.

[0289] S908, the base station 1 sends an N2 session management response message 1 to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N2 session management response message 1 from the base station 1.

[0290] The N2 session management response message 1 includes at least one of the following: information indicating to activate the first mode, AN tunnel information 2 allocated by the base station 1, or AN tunnel information 1 allocated by the base station 2. After receiving the information indicating to activate the first mode, the SMF can obtain another CN tunnel information (CN tunnel information 2) from the UPF and send the CN tunnel information 2 to the base station 1. The AN tunnel information 1 is used for the UPF to send data of the UE 1 to the base station 2. The AN tunnel information 2 is used for the UPF to send data of the UE 1 to the base station 1.

[0291] The N2 session management response message 1 can also include a QFI, which can refer to the related description described above, which will not be described here.

[0292] S909, the SMF acquires the CN tunnel information 2.

[0293] The CN tunnel information 2 is used for the base station 1 to send data of the UE 1 to the UPF. The SMF can request an additional CN tunnel information from the UPF through an N4 session modification message, or request an additional CN tunnel information from the UPF through other types of messages (such as newly defined messages). For example, the SMF sends an N4 session modification message to the UPF to request the UPF to allocate an additional CN tunnel information; after receiving the N4 session tunnel information, the UPF can return a CN tunnel information allocated by the UPF to the SMF based on the N4 session tunnel information.

[0294] In addition, in the process of the SMF requesting an additional CN tunnel information from the UPF, the SMF can also send the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF. For example, the SMF sends the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF through an N4 session modification message. Of course, the SMF can also send the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF through other types of messages, or send the AN tunnel information 1 and the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF before or after the SMF requests an additional CN tunnel information from the UPF, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0295] S9010, the UPF associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0296] The specific implementation principle of S9010 can be referred to the related description of the foregoing S6012, and details are not described herein again.

[0297] S9011, the SMF sends the N2 session management information 2 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the N2 session management information 2 from the SMF.

[0298] The N2 session management information 2 includes the CN tunnel information 2. The N2 session management information 2 can also include a QFI, which can be referred to the related description described above, and details are not described herein again.

[0299] S9012, the base station 1 associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0300] The specific implementation principle of S9012 can be referred to the related description of the foregoing S6010, and details are not described herein again.

[0301] It can be understood that the base station 1 can also not send the CN tunnel information 1 to the base station 2 when determining to activate the first mode, but send the CN tunnel information 2 sent by the subsequent SMF to the base station 2, which can be understood with reference to the above steps, and details are not described herein. In summary, according to the introduction of scenario 3, it can be known that in the process of PDU session establishment or modification, the base station 1 can determine to activate the first mode for the PDU session, at this time, the base station 1 can trigger to establish the data transmission channel 1 of the base station 1 for transmitting the data of the UE 1 and the data transmission channel 2 of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of the UE 1, so as to transmit the data of the UE 1 through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2. In addition, in this case, the base station 1 can send information indicating the first mode to the SMF, so that the SMF obtains an additional CN tunnel information from the UPF for establishing the data transmission channel 1.

[0302] Scenario 4:

[0303] For example, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the application. In scenario 4, the PDU session or the QoS flow is initially established in the regenerative mode or the transparent transmission mode, the base station 1 determines to activate the first mode for the PDU session or the QoS flow, and triggers to establish the data transmission channel of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of the UE 1. The first mode can be understood with reference to the related description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein. In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is applicable to the communication system architecture described in FIG. 5.

[0304] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the flow of the communication method is as follows:

[0305] S1001, the UE 1 triggers to establish or modify a PDU session.

[0306] The specific implementation principle of S1001 can be understood with reference to the related description of the foregoing S602a, and details are not described herein.

[0307] S1002, the SMF obtains CN tunnel information 1.

[0308] S1003, the SMF sends N2 session management information 1 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the N2 session management information 1 from the SMF.

[0309] S1004, the base station 1 sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE 1. Correspondingly, the UE 1 receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the base station 1.

[0310] S1005, the base station 1 sends an N2 session management response message 1 to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N2 session management response message 1 from the base station 1.

[0311] S1006, the SMF sends AN tunnel information 1 to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 1 from the SMF.

[0312] The specific implementation principles of S1002-S1006 can refer to the related descriptions of S703-S707, and details are not described herein again.

[0313] S1007, the base station 1 determines to activate the first mode.

[0314] The specific implementation principles of S1007 can refer to the related descriptions of S904, and details are not described herein again.

[0315] S1008, the base station 1 sends an N2 message to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N2 message from the base station 1.

[0316] The N2 message includes information for indicating the activation of the first mode, which can be an identifier of the first mode. The N2 message can further include at least one of a PDU session identifier or a QFI. The PDU session identifier can indicate a PDU session for which the first mode is activated. The QFI is used to indicate a QoS flow corresponding to the first mode.

[0317] S1009, the SMF obtains CN tunnel information 2.

[0318] After the SMF receives the N2 message, it can be determined to activate the first mode. At this time, for the PDU session, a data transmission channel 2 between the base station 2 and the UPF needs to be established, and details can refer to the related descriptions of S709, and details are not described herein again.

[0319] S10010, the SMF sends an N2 session management information 2 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the N2 session management information 2 from the SMF.

[0320] The N2 session management information 2 includes the CN tunnel information 2. The N2 session management information 2 can further include a QFI, which can refer to the related descriptions herein, and details are not described herein again.

[0321] S10011, the base station 1 sends a message 1 to the base station 2. Correspondingly, the base station 2 receives the message 1 from the base station 1.

[0322] S10012, the base station 2 sends a message 2 to the base station 1. Correspondingly, the base station 1 receives the message 2 from the base station 2.

[0323] S10013, the base station 1 sends an N2 session management response message 2 to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N2 session management response message 2 from the base station 1.

[0324] S10014, the base station 1 associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0325] S10015, the SMF sends the AN tunnel information 2 to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the AN tunnel information 2 from the SMF.

[0326] S10016, the UPF associates the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0327] The specific implementation of S10011-S10016 can refer to the related description of S7011-S7016, which will not be described here.

[0328] In summary, according to the introduction of scenario 4, after the PDU session or the QoS flow is initially established in the regeneration mode or the transparent transmission mode, when the base station 1 determines to activate the first mode, the base station 1 can trigger the establishment of the data transmission channel 2 of the base station 2 for transmitting the data of the UE 1, that is, the base station 1 sends information indicating the activation of the first mode to the SMF, so that the SMF obtains additional CN tunnel information from the UPF. In this way, the data of the UE 1 can be transmitted through the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2.

[0329] It can be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 are applicable to 5GS. In EPS, the MME has the function of the AMF, that is, the MME can perform the related operations of the AMF; the SGW and / or the PGW have the function of the UPF described above, that is, the SGW and / or the PGW can perform the related operations of the UPF. When the embodiments shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 are used in EPS, the above-mentioned AMF can be replaced by the MME, and the UPF can be replaced by the SGW and / or the PGW, which will not be described here. In addition, with the evolution of the network, in future communication networks, various NFs, network elements, connection modes, information names, or message names in the embodiments shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 can be changed, such as being replaced by other names, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0330] It can also be understood that in the embodiments shown in FIG. 9-FIG. 10, the data transmission channel (denoted as data transmission channel 3) for transmitting the data of the UE 1 can be established between the base station 1 and the base station 2; and the data transmission channel for transmitting the data of the terminal device by the base station 2 can be understood as the above-mentioned data transmission channel 2, or can be understood as the above-mentioned data transmission channel 2 and data transmission channel 3, which can be understood with reference to the related description in the above-mentioned embodiments shown in FIG. 6, which will not be described here. In addition, the base station 1 can associate the data transmission channel 3 and the data transmission channel 1. In this way, the base station 1 can send or receive the data of the UE 1 through the base station 2.

[0331] The flow of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described in detail above in combination with FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. The overall flow of the communication method is introduced below in combination with FIG. 11.

[0332] For example, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the communication method. The communication method mainly involves the interaction between the first base station and the first core network element. The first base station can be understood as the base station 1 in the above scenario 3 and scenario 4, and the first core network element can be understood as the SMF in the above scenario 3 and scenario 4.

[0333] As shown in FIG. 11, the flow of the communication method is as follows:

[0334] S1101, the first base station determines to activate the first mode.

[0335] The first mode is to transmit data of the terminal device through the first base station and the second base station (the base station 2 in the above scenario 3 or 4), which can be referred to the relevant description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again.

[0336] The first base station is responsible for the control plane, that is, the first base station is the base station that establishes a signaling connection with the terminal device, that is, a connection such as an RRC connection has been established between the first base station and the terminal device, and a connection such as an NG connection has been established between the first base station and the core network element (such as the third core network element). In addition, the first base station can be referred to the relevant description of the base station 1 in the foregoing FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, and details are not described herein again.

[0337] It can be understood that the first base station is a base station arranged on a satellite, and the second base station is a base station arranged on the ground; or the first base station is a base station arranged on the ground, and the second base station is a base station arranged on a satellite. The second base station can be referred to the relevant description of the base station 2 in the foregoing FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, and details are not described herein again.

[0338] Optionally, the first base station determining to activate the first mode can specifically include: the first base station determining to activate the first mode according to at least one of the following: QoS of the service, or QoE of the service, or the first base station having a first capability, the first capability including the capability of the first base station and the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device. In this way, the first mode can be determined to be activated according to the actual situation. In addition, the first capability can be referred to the relevant description in the relevant description in the foregoing S601, and details are not described herein again. The first base station determining to activate the first mode can be referred to the relevant description of the foregoing S904, and details are not described herein again.

[0339] S1102, the first base station triggers to establish a data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device.

[0340] After the first base station determines to activate the first mode, if the first base station has established a data transmission channel (denoted as data transmission channel 1) for transmitting data of the terminal device, i.e., the current PDU session or QoS flow is in the regeneration mode or the transparent forwarding mode, the first base station can trigger to establish a data transmission channel (denoted as data transmission channel 2) for transmitting data of the terminal device by the second base station. If the first base station does not establish the data transmission channel 1, i.e., the current PDU session or QoS flow is initially established in the first mode, the first base station can trigger to establish the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2. The following cases are described.

[0341] Case 1: The first base station (base station 1 in the above scenario 4) has established the data transmission channel 1.

[0342] In this case, the first base station triggering to establish the data transmission channel for transmitting data of the terminal device by the second base station (base station 2 in the above scenario 4) can specifically include: the first base station sends indication information to the first core network element (SMF in the above scenario 4), and correspondingly, the first core network element receives the indication information from the first base station, the indication information being used to indicate that the data of the terminal device is transmitted by the first base station and the second base station; the first core network element sends first core network tunnel information (CN tunnel information 2 in the above scenario 4) to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, the first core network tunnel information being used for the second base station to send the data of the terminal device to the second core network element (UPF in the above scenario 4); the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first base station.

[0343] The indication information can also be used to indicate the activation of the first mode, and details can be referred to the foregoing description of the information used to indicate the activation of the first mode in S1008, which will not be described herein. It can be understood that in the case that the first base station has established the data transmission channel 1, the first base station can send the indication information to the first core network element to indicate that the first core network element further obtains a core network tunnel information from the second core network element, the core network tunnel information being used to establish the data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit the data of the terminal device, and details can be referred to the foregoing description in S1008-S1011, which will not be described herein.

[0344] After the first base station sends the indication information to the first core network element, the above communication method can further include: the first base station sends first access network tunnel information (AN tunnel information 2 in the above scenario 4) to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receives the first access network tunnel information from the first base station, the first access network tunnel information being used for the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station; the first core network element sends the first access network tunnel information to the second core network element, and correspondingly, the second core network element receives the first access network tunnel information from the first core network element, which can be specifically referred to the related description of S10013 and S10015, and details are not described herein again

[0345] Optionally, the first base station sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station can specifically include: the first base station sends a first message to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receives the first message from the first base station, the first message being used for requesting the second base station to create a data transmission channel between the second base station and the second core network element, the first message including the first core network tunnel information; the second base station sends first access network tunnel information to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receives the first access network tunnel information from the second base station. That is, the first base station can request the second base station to allocate access network tunnel information used for transmitting data of the terminal device between the second base station and the second core network element when sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station. In addition, the first message can be referred to the related description of the message 1 in S10011, and the first access network tunnel information can be referred to the related description of the AN tunnel information 2 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and details are not described herein again.

[0346] After the first base station sends the first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, the above communication method can further include: the first base station associates the data transmission channel used by the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device with the data transmission channel used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device, which can be specifically referred to the related description of S10014, and details are not described herein again.

[0347] In addition, after the second core network element receives the first access network tunnel information, the data transmission channel 1 and the data transmission channel 2 can be associated, which can be specifically referred to the related description of S10016, and details are not described herein again.

[0348] Case 2: The first base station (the base station 1 in the above scenario 3) does not establish the data transmission channel 1.

[0349] In this case, after the first base station determines to activate the first mode, the above communication method can further include that the first base station triggers establishment of a data transmission channel used by the first base station to transmit data of the terminal device. That is, in case 2, the first base station triggers establishment of data transmission channel 1 and data transmission channel 2, which can be specifically understood with reference to the related description in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and will not be described here again.

[0350] Before the first base station determines to activate the first mode, the above communication method further includes that the first core network element (SMF in the above scenario 3) sends first core network tunnel information (CN tunnel information 1 in the above scenario 3) to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, and the first core network tunnel information is used by the first base station to send data of the terminal device to the second core network element (UPF in the above scenario 3). The above first base station triggering establishment of a data transmission channel used by the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device can specifically include that the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receives the first core network tunnel information from the first base station, which can be specifically understood with reference to the related description in the foregoing S903 and S905, and will not be described here again.

[0351] It can be understood that after the first base station determines to activate the first mode, the first base station can first send the first core network tunnel information sent by the first core network element to the second base station for use, then request a core network tunnel information from the first core network element, and use the requested core network tunnel information. Of course, the first base station can also use the first core network tunnel information, then request a core network tunnel information from the first core network element, and send the requested core network tunnel information to the second base station for use.

[0352] The above first base station sending the first core network tunnel information to the second base station can specifically include that the first base station sends a first message (message 1 in the above scenario 3) to the second base station, and correspondingly, the second base station receives the first message from the first base station, the first message being used to request the second base station to create a data transmission channel between the second core network element, and the first message including the first core network tunnel information. The second base station sends first access network tunnel information to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receives the first access network tunnel information (AN tunnel information 1 in the above scenario 3) from the second base station, the first access network tunnel information being used by the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station, which can be specifically understood with reference to the related description in the foregoing S905-S906, and will not be described here again.

[0353] The first base station triggering establishment of the data transmission channel for transmitting data of the terminal device by the first base station can specifically include: the first base station sending indication information to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receiving the indication information from the first base station, the indication information being used to indicate that the data of the terminal device is transmitted by the first base station and the second base station; the first core network element sending second core network tunnel information to the first base station, and correspondingly, the first base station receiving the second core network tunnel information from the first core network element, the second core network tunnel information being used for the first base station to send the data of the terminal device to the second core network element.

[0354] The indication information can also be used to indicate the activation of the first mode, and details can be referred to the foregoing description of the information used to indicate the activation of the first mode in S908, which will not be repeated here. It can be understood that the first base station can send the indication information to the first core network element to indicate that the first core network element further acquires a core network tunnel information from the second core network element, the core network tunnel information being used to establish the data transmission channel for transmitting the data of the terminal device by the first base station. Details can be referred to the foregoing description in S908-S911, which will not be repeated here.

[0355] The communication method can further include: the first base station sending first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receiving the first access network tunnel information from the first base station, the first access network tunnel information being used for the second core network element to send the data of the terminal device to the second base station; the first core network element sending the first access network tunnel information to the second core network element, and correspondingly, the second core network element receiving the first access network tunnel information from the first core network element. Details can be referred to the foregoing description in S908, which will not be repeated here. In this way, the second core network element can acquire the first access network tunnel information to establish the data transmission channel between the second core network element and the second base station based on the first access network tunnel information.

[0356] The communication method can further include: the first base station sending second access network tunnel information (AN tunnel information 2 in the foregoing scenario 3) to the first core network element, and correspondingly, the first core network element receiving the second access network tunnel information from the first base station, the second access network tunnel information being used for the second core network element to send the data of the terminal device to the first base station; the first core network element sending the second access network tunnel information to the second core network element, and correspondingly, the second core network element receiving the second access network tunnel information from the first core network element. Details can be referred to the foregoing description in S908, which will not be repeated here. In this way, the second core network element can acquire the second access network tunnel information to establish the data transmission channel between the second core network element and the first base station based on the second access network tunnel information.

[0357] It can be understood that the first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information can be carried in the same message, that is, the first base station can send the first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information to the first core network element, such as sending the first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information through the N2 session management response message 1 in the foregoing S908. The first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information can also be carried in different messages, which can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and is not limited.

[0358] It can also be understood that after the second core network element receives the first access network tunnel information and the second access network tunnel information, the communication method can further include: the second core network element associates the data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, which can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S9010, and details are not described herein.

[0359] In addition, after the first base station receives the second core network tunnel information from the first core network element, the communication method can further include: the first base station associates the data transmission channel of the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device and the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device, which can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S9012, and details are not described herein.

[0360] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device can be data transmission channel 2; it can also be data transmission channel 2 and the data transmission channel (denoted as data transmission channel 3) between the second base station and the first base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. When the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device is data transmission channel 2 and data transmission channel 3, the first base station can establish data transmission channel 2 and data transmission channel 3 through the second base station after triggering the establishment of the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. When the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device is data transmission channel 2, the first base station can also trigger the establishment of data transmission channel 3 after receiving the indication information, that is, the communication method can further include: the first base station triggers the establishment of data transmission channel 3, which can be referred to the related description in the foregoing embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and details are not described herein.

[0361] In addition, the first base station can associate data transmission channel 3 and data transmission channel 1. In this way, the first base station can send or receive data of the terminal device through the second base station.

[0362] In summary, in the embodiments of the present application, in the case that the first base station and the second base station can both provide services for the terminal device, the first base station can trigger the establishment of the data transmission channel of the second base station for transmitting data of the terminal device. In this way, the data of the terminal device can be transmitted by the first base station and the second base station together, so that the flexibility of data transmission can be improved.

[0363] In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 can be understood with reference to the related description of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-10, which will not be repeated here.

[0364] It can be understood that in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-11, the first mode is only an example of expression, and the first mode can also be replaced by any other possible expression, such as "redundancy mode", "redundancy transmission mode", etc., without limitation. And activating the first mode can be understood as performing the first mode, enabling the first mode, creating the first mode, or configuring the first mode, etc. That is, the above "activation" can be replaced by "performance", "enable", "creation", or "configuration", etc., without limitation.

[0365] FIG. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 12, the communication apparatus 1200 includes a transceiver module 1201 and a processing module 1202. For the convenience of description, FIG. 12 only shows the main components of the communication apparatus.

[0366] The transceiver module 1201 is configured to perform the transceiving functions of the method shown in FIGS. 6-11, and the processing module 1202 is configured to perform other functions of the method shown in FIGS. 6-11 other than the transceiving functions.

[0367] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 can include a sending module (not shown in FIG. 12) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG. 12). The sending module is configured to implement the sending function of the communication apparatus 1200, and the receiving module is configured to implement the receiving function of the communication apparatus 1200.

[0368] Optionally, the communication apparatus 1200 can further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 12), which stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1202 executes the programs or instructions, the communication apparatus 1200 can perform the functions of the terminal device or the network device (such as the first core network element, the second core network element, or the third core network element, etc.) in the method shown in FIGS. 6-11 of the above method.

[0369] It can be understood that the communication apparatus 1200 can be a terminal device or a network device, or a chip (system) or other components or assemblies that can be arranged in the terminal device or the network device, or an apparatus containing the terminal device or the network device, and the present application does not limit this.

[0370] In addition, the technical effects of the communication apparatus 1200 can refer to the technical effects of the communication method shown in FIGS. 6-11, which will not be repeated here.

[0371] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus can be a terminal device or a network device, or a chip (system) or other components or assemblies that can be arranged in the terminal device or the network device. As shown in FIG. 13, the communication apparatus 1300 can include a processor 1301. Optionally, the communication apparatus 1300 can also include a memory 1302 and / or a transceiver 1303. The processor 1301 is coupled to the memory 1302 and the transceiver 1303, for example, through a communication bus.

[0372] The various constituent components of the communication apparatus 1300 will be specifically introduced below in conjunction with FIG. 13.

[0373] The processor 1301 is the control center of the communication apparatus 1300, which can be one processor or a plurality of processing elements. For example, the processor 1301 is one or more central processing units (CPUs), which can also be application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement one or more embodiments of the present application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0374] Optionally, the processor 1301 can perform various functions of the communication apparatus 1300 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1302, and calling data stored in the memory 1302, such as executing the above communication method.

[0375] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 1301 can include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG. 13.

[0376] In a particular implementation, as an example, the communication apparatus 1300 can also include multiple processors, such as the processor 1301 and the processor 1304 shown in FIG. 13. Each of these processors can be a single-CPU or a multi-CPU. The processor herein can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0377] The memory 1302 is configured to store software programs for implementing the solutions of the present application, and the processor 1301 is configured to control the execution of the software programs. The specific implementation manners can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0378] Optionally, the memory 1302 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, a magneto-optical disk storage (including a compact disk, a laser disc, an optical disc, a digital versatile disc, a Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory 1302 can be integrated with the processor 1301 or exist independently and be coupled with the processor 1301 through an interface circuit (not shown in FIG. 13) of the communication apparatus 1300. The embodiments of the present application are not limited in this regard.

[0379] The transceiver 1303 is configured to communicate with other communication apparatuses. For example, the communication apparatus 1300 is a terminal, and the transceiver 1303 can be configured to communicate with a network apparatus or another terminal apparatus. For another example, the communication apparatus 1300 is a network apparatus, and the transceiver 1303 can be configured to communicate with a terminal or another network apparatus.

[0380] Optionally, the transceiver 1303 can include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in FIG. 13). The receiver is configured to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is configured to implement the transmitting function.

[0381] Optionally, the transceiver 1303 can be integrated with the processor 1301, or exist independently, and be coupled with the processor 1301 through an interface circuit (not shown in FIG. 13) of the communication apparatus 1300, and embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation in this regard.

[0382] It can be understood that the structure of the communication apparatus 1300 shown in FIG. 13 does not constitute a limitation on the communication apparatus, and an actual communication apparatus can include more or fewer components than those shown, or combine certain components, or have a different arrangement of components.

[0383] In addition, the technical effects of the communication apparatus 1300 can refer to the technical effects of the methods described in the above method embodiments, which will not be described herein again.

[0384] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor.

[0385] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Among them, the nonvolatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example, and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0386] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in part or in whole through software, hardware (e.g., circuitry), firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When loaded and executed by a computer, the computer instructions or computer programs can produce the processes or functions described above in accordance with the embodiments of the present application. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, such as from a website site, a computer, a server, or a data center to another website site, a computer, a server, or a data center, through a wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium or a collection of medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, a data center, etc. containing one or more available medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state disk.

[0387] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this document is merely used to describe an associated relationship between associated objects, and can represent three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and rear associated objects, but can also represent an "and / or" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood according to the context before and after.

[0388] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of the items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0389] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of the above-described processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to their functions and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0390] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed 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 the present application.

[0391] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are only schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0393] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. According to actual needs, some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0394] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically independently, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0395] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application essentially or the parts that contribute to the prior art or parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0396] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first base station receives indication information from a first core network element. The indication information is used to indicate that data of the terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and the second base station. The first base station is a base station set on a satellite, and the second base station is a base station set on the ground, or the first base station is a base station set on the ground, and the second base station is a base station set on a satellite. In response to the indication information, the first base station triggers the establishment of a data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit data of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first base station triggers the establishment of a data transmission channel for transmitting data from the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the first base station triggers the establishment of a data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit data from the terminal device, the method further includes: The first base station receives first core network tunnel information from the first core network element, and the first core network tunnel information is used by the second base station to send data of the terminal device to the second core network element; The first base station triggers the establishment of a data transmission channel for the second base station to transmit data from the terminal device, including: The first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, the method further includes: The first base station sends first access network tunnel information to the first core network element, and the first access network tunnel information is used by the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first base station sends the first core network tunnel information to the second base station, including: The first base station sends a first message to the second base station. The first message is used to request the second base station to create a data transmission channel with the second core network element. The first message includes the first core network tunnel information. The first base station receives the first access network tunnel information from the second base station.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first core network element sends an instruction message to the first base station. The instruction message is used to indicate that data of the terminal device is transmitted through the first base station and the second base station. The first base station is a base station set on a satellite and the second base station is a base station set on the ground, or the first base station is a base station set on the ground and the second base station is a base station set on a satellite. The first core network element receives first access network tunnel information from the first base station, and the first access network tunnel information is used by the second core network element to send data of the terminal device to the second base station. The first core network element sends the first access network tunnel information to the second core network element.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; when the processor executes computer instructions, it causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the method of any one of claims 1-6 to be performed.

Images