Communication method, network device, first server, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a first server, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending first information to a second network device, wherein the first information is used for indicating that a satellite communication-based network runs in a store and forward (S&F) mode. The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to a communication architecture in which a wireless access point is introduced and a core network function is deployed on a satellite.

Description

Communication method, network device, first server, communication system and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a first server, a communication system and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the technical field of communication, a communication architecture is introduced, in which a wireless access point and core network function are deployed on a satellite. In this communication architecture, it is necessary to support a satellite network to normally carry out a delay-tolerant service in a non-continuous situation by supporting a data store and forward (S&F, Store and Forward) function.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] After the communication architecture is introduced, in which a wireless access point and core network function are deployed on a satellite, a communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a first server, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises:

[0007] sending first information to a second network device;

[0008] The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store and forward (S&F) mode.

[0009] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a second network device, and the method comprises:

[0010] receiving first information sent by a first network device;

[0011] The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store and forward (S&F) mode.

[0012] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a first server, and the method comprises:

[0013] receiving first information sent by a second network device;

[0014] The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store and forward (S&F) mode.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0016] The first network device sends first information to the second network device;

[0017] The second network device sends the first information to the first server;

[0018] The first information is used to indicate that a satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising:

[0020] a transceiver module configured to:

[0021] send first information to a second network device;

[0022] The first information is used to indicate that a satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, the second network device comprising:

[0024] a transceiver module configured to:

[0025] receive first information sent by a first network device;

[0026] The first information is used to indicate that a satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first server is provided, the first server comprising:

[0028] a transceiver module configured to:

[0029] receive first information sent by a second network device;

[0030] The first information is used to indicate that a satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0031] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, wherein the communication system comprises a first network device, a second network device, and a first server; the first network device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, the second network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect; and the first server is configured to implement the method of the third aspect.

[0032] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, and the first network device comprises:

[0033] one or more processors;

[0034] The first network device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0035] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, and the second network device comprises:

[0036] one or more processors;

[0037] The second network device is configured to perform the method of the second aspect.

[0038] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first server is provided, and the first server comprises:

[0039] one or more processors;

[0040] The first server is configured to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0041] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, and the storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions are run on a communication device, the communication device performs the method provided by the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0042] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can adapt to the communication architecture in which the wireless access point and the core network function are deployed on the satellite.

[0043] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 1d is a flowchart of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 2a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 3a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 4a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 4b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 5a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 5b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an example embodiment;

[0056] FIG. 7a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 7b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram of a first network device according to an example embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of a second network device according to an example embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 8c is a schematic diagram of a first server according to an example embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram of a UE according to an example embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 9b is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a first server, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0064] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method being performed by a first network device, and the method comprising:

[0065] sending first information to a second network device;

[0066] The first information is used to indicate that the satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0067] In the above embodiment, since the first network device sends the first information to the second network device, the second network device can determine that the satellite communication-based network operates in the S&F mode after receiving the first information, so that the behavior of the second network device can adapt to the communication scenario of the S&F mode.

[0068] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of:

[0069] a first time delay, the first time delay being a time delay of data transmission caused by performing the S&F operation;

[0070] a first data amount, the first data amount being an amount of data that can be stored by a device performing the S&F operation in a first period, the first period being a period of unavailability of the satellite network connection;

[0071] a first priority, the first priority being a priority of transmitting data after the satellite network connection is restored.

[0072] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the satellite network connection includes at least one of:

[0073] a feeder link;

[0074] a service link.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the data can be transmitted after the feeder link and / or the service link is restored based on the first priority.

[0076] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first time delay is determined based on ephemeris information and / or user location information.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the first time delay can be accurately determined based on the ephemeris information and / or the user location information.

[0078] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first time delay is determined based on an unavailability duration of the feeder link and / or an unavailability duration of the service link.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the first time delay can be accurately determined based on the unavailability duration of the feeder link and / or the unavailability duration of the service link.

[0080] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sending the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0081] In the monitoring event notification process, a monitoring event notification message is sent to the second network device.

[0082] The monitoring event notification message contains the first information.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the first information can be sent to the second network device by multiplexing the monitoring event notification message in the monitoring event notification process, which saves signaling overhead and improves resource utilization.

[0084] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sending the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0085] The second network device subscribes to the first event from the first network device, and the first information is sent to the second network device.

[0086] The first event is triggered when the first network device accesses using a satellite network to send notification information to the second network device.

[0087] In the above embodiments, the first information can be sent to the second network device in a timely manner when the second network device subscribes to the first event from the first network device.

[0088] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sending the first information to the second network device comprises at least one of:

[0089] The first network device serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite, and the first information is sent to the second network device.

[0090] The third network device serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite and supports S&F operation, and the first information is sent to the second network device.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the first information can be sent to the second network device in a timely manner when the first network device serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite, and / or the third network device serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite and supports S&F operation.

[0092] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sending the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0093] determining, by the first network device, that a second event is detected, that terminal access to the network based on satellite communication supports S&F operation, and that the second event is caused by S&F operation, and sending the first information to the second network device;

[0094] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second event is an event caused by connection loss.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the first information can be sent to the second network device in time in the case that the first network device detects that a second event is detected, that terminal access to the network based on satellite communication supports S&F operation, and that the second event is caused by S&F operation.

[0096] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first information further indicates connection loss and / or a cause of the connection loss, the cause being that the connection loss is caused by S&F operation.

[0097] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first information is used to assist the first server in determining a first behavior, the first behavior being a behavior of performing service communication.

[0098] In the above embodiment, since the first information can assist the first server in determining the first behavior, thus, the first behavior can be adapted to the first information.

[0099] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first behavior comprises at least one of:

[0100] determining, based on the first information, to perform service communication when the network operates in S&F mode;

[0101] determining, based on the first information, not to perform service communication when the network operates in S&F mode;

[0102] determining, based on the first information, a time of sending downlink data;

[0103] determining, based on the first information, to subscribe to a third event;

[0104] determining, based on the first information, not to subscribe to a third event.

[0105] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the third event is an event caused by at least one of:

[0106] reachability of the terminal;

[0107] location of the terminal;

[0108] change of the location of the terminal;

[0109] loss of connection;

[0110] Communication failure.

[0111] With reference to the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first server is a service capability server SCS and / or an application server AS.

[0112] With reference to the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network device is one of: a mobility management entity MME; a home subscriber server HSS; a policy and charging rules function PCRF; and the second network device is a service capability exposure function SCEF.

[0113] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, the method being performed by a second network device, and the method comprising:

[0114] receiving first information sent by a first network device;

[0115] The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward S&F mode.

[0116] With reference to the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of:

[0117] a first time delay, the first time delay being a time delay of data transmission caused by performing an S&F operation;

[0118] a first data amount, the first data amount being an amount of data that can be stored by a device performing an S&F operation during a first period, the first period being a period of unavailability of a satellite network connection;

[0119] a first priority, the first priority being a priority of data transmission after a satellite network connection is restored.

[0120] With reference to the second aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite network connection comprises at least one of:

[0121] a feeder link;

[0122] a service link.

[0123] With reference to the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on ephemeris information and / or user location information.

[0124] With reference to the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on a length of unavailability of the feeder link and / or a length of unavailability of the service link.

[0125] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0126] In the monitoring event notification process, receiving a monitoring event notification message sent by the first network device;

[0127] The monitoring event notification message contains the first information.

[0128] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate connection loss and / or a reason for the connection loss, the reason being that the connection loss is caused by the S&F operation.

[0129] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to assist the first server in determining a first behavior, the first behavior being a behavior of performing service communication.

[0130] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first behavior comprises at least one of:

[0131] Determining, based on the first information, to carry out service communication when the network is running in the S&F mode;

[0132] Determining, based on the first information, not to carry out service communication when the network is running in the S&F mode;

[0133] Determining, based on the first information, a time for sending downlink data;

[0134] Determining, based on the first information, to subscribe to a third event;

[0135] Determining, based on the first information, not to subscribe to a third event.

[0136] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third event is an event caused by at least one of:

[0137] Reachability of the terminal;

[0138] Position of the terminal;

[0139] Change in the position of the terminal;

[0140] Loss of connection;

[0141] Communication failure.

[0142] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network device is one of: a mobility management entity (MME); a home subscriber server (HSS); a policy and charging rules function (PCRF); and the second network device is a service capability exposure function (SCEF).

[0143] With reference to the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0144] sending the first information to a first server.

[0145] With reference to the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first server is a service capability server SCS and / or an application server AS.

[0146] A third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method is executed by a first server, the method comprises:

[0147] receiving first information sent by a second network device;

[0148] The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward S&F mode.

[0149] With reference to the third aspect, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of:

[0150] a first time delay, the first time delay being a time delay of data transmission caused by performing an S&F operation;

[0151] a first data amount, the first data amount being an amount of data that can be saved by a device performing an S&F operation in a first period, the first period being a period of unavailability of a satellite network connection;

[0152] a first priority, the first priority being a priority of transmitting data after the satellite network connection is restored.

[0153] With reference to the third aspect, the satellite network connection comprises at least one of:

[0154] a feeder link;

[0155] a service link.

[0156] With reference to the third aspect, the first time delay is determined based on ephemeris information and / or user location information.

[0157] With reference to the third aspect, the first time delay is determined based on an unavailability duration of the feeder link and / or an unavailability duration of the service link.

[0158] With reference to the third aspect, the method further comprises:

[0159] determining a first behavior based on the first information;

[0160] The first behavior is a behavior of performing service communication.

[0161] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, the first behavior comprises at least one of:

[0162] determining, based on the first information, to carry out service communication when the network operates in the S&F mode;

[0163] determining, based on the first information, not to carry out service communication when the network operates in the S&F mode;

[0164] determining, based on the first information, a time for sending downlink data;

[0165] determining, based on the first information, to subscribe to a third event;

[0166] determining, based on the first information, not to subscribe to a third event.

[0167] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, the third event is an event caused by at least one of:

[0168] reachability of the terminal;

[0169] location of the terminal;

[0170] change of the location of the terminal;

[0171] loss of connection;

[0172] communication failure.

[0173] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, the first server is a service capability server SCS and / or an application server AS; a policy and charging rules function PCRF; and the second network device is a service capability exposure function SCEF.

[0174] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0175] sending, by a first network device, first information to a second network device;

[0176] sending, by the second network device, the first information to a first server;

[0177] The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward S&F mode.

[0178] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network device, the first network device comprising:

[0179] a transceiver module configured to:

[0180] send, to a second network device, first information;

[0181] The first information is used to indicate that the network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0182] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network device, the second network device comprising:

[0183] a transceiver module configured to:

[0184] receive first information sent by a first network device;

[0185] The first information is used to indicate that the network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0186] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first server, the first server comprising:

[0187] a transceiver module configured to:

[0188] receive first information sent by a second network device;

[0189] The first information is used to indicate that the network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0190] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, the communication system comprising a first network device, a second network device, and a first server; the first network device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, the second network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect, and the first server is configured to implement the method of the third aspect.

[0191] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network device, the first network device comprising:

[0192] one or more processors;

[0193] The first network device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0194] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network device, the second network device comprising:

[0195] one or more processors;

[0196] The second network device is configured to perform the method of the second aspect.

[0197] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first server, the first server comprising:

[0198] one or more processors;

[0199] The first server is configured to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0200] In a twelfth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0201] In a thirteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, when the program product is executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0202] In a fourteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0203] In a fifteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0204] It can be understood that the first network device, the second network device, the first server, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0205] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method. In some embodiments, the communication method can be replaced by the terms such as information indication method, information processing method, information transmission method, and the communication system can be replaced by the terms such as information processing system.

[0206] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or part of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation of other embodiments.

[0207] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0208] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0209] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0210] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0211] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0212] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0213] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0214] The prefix words "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute limitation on the position, sequence, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The description of the description objects should refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not constitute redundant limitation because of the use of the prefix words. For example, the description objects are "fields", and the ordinal words before "fields" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or sequence between "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message, nor do they limit the sequence of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description objects are "levels", and the ordinal words before "levels" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description objects is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different. For example, the description objects are "devices", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. For another example, the description objects are "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0215] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0216] In some embodiments, the terms "time / frequency", "time / frequency domain" and the like refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0217] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0218] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0219] In some embodiments, an apparatus or the like can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the name thereof is not limited to the name described in the embodiments. The terms "apparatus", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0220] In some embodiments, a "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus (for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like) included in the network.

[0221] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0222] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal," "terminal device," "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," and so on can be replaced with each other.

[0223] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, the terms "uplink," "downlink," and the like can also be replaced with terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel, and the like can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink, and the like can be replaced with the sidelink.

[0224] In some embodiments, the terminal can be replaced with the access network device, the core network device, or the network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0225] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is.

[0226] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0227] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0228] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 1a, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, a network device 102, and a first server 103.

[0230] In some embodiments, the network device 102 can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0231] In some embodiments, the core network device can be a first network device 1021 or a second network device 1022.

[0232] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a communication-capable automobile, a smart automobile, a tablet computer (Pad), a wireless transceiver-equipped computer, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0233] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and the access network device can include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0234] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applied to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be realized through software or programs.

[0235] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), wherein the CU can also be referred to as a control unit (control unit). The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and part of the functions of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the functions of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0236] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or can be multiple devices or device groups, respectively including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0237] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0238] In some embodiments, the first network element is used for signaling processing, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

[0240] In some embodiments, the second network element is used for storing subscriber information, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0241] In some embodiments, the third network element is, for example, a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF).

[0242] In some embodiments, the third network element is used for policy provision and charging, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first network element, the second network element, and / or the third network element can be independent of the core network device.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first network element, the second network element, and / or the third network element can be part of the core network device.

[0245] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0246] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1a or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1a are examples, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1a, or other subjects other than FIG. 1a. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be real or virtual, the connection relationship between each subject is an example, each subject can not be connected or can be connected, and the connection can be in any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0247] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based on them, and the like. In addition, a plurality of systems can be combined (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0248] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1b, satellite access can provide network services in a regenerative mode, which means that the radio access node and part or all of the core network function can be deployed on the satellite. FIG. 1b shows a complete base station and part of the Mobility Management Entity (MME) on the satellite.

[0249] In some embodiments, due to insufficient number of satellites, the connection between the satellite and the terminal or the ground network equipment can be intermittent, i.e. the service link and the feeder link are not available at the same time for the terminal to access the network. In this case, the network uses the store-and-forward feature to support the development of delay-tolerant services.

[0250] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1c, a process of performing store-and-forward is shown:

[0251] In some embodiments, the end-to-end exchange of signaling or data services is divided into two processes (steps A and B in FIG. 1c).

[0252] In some embodiments, in step A, there is a connection between the terminal and the satellite, and the exchange of signaling or data between the terminal and the satellite is performed, while the satellite and the ground network have no connection at this time. In this step, the satellite can store the data or signaling received from the terminal.

[0253] In some embodiments, the satellite moves from having a connection with the terminal in step A to being able to establish a connection with the ground network in step B, but cannot establish a connection with the terminal.

[0254] In some embodiments, in step B, a connection between the satellite and the ground network is established, so that communication between the satellite and the ground network can occur. The satellite can forward the data or signaling stored in step A to the ground station. At the same time, it can store the data received from the ground station for sending to the terminal.

[0255] In some embodiments, the store-and-forward operation in a 4G or 5G system with satellite access aims to provide a certain level of communication service for terminals accessing the system for delay-tolerant communication services.

[0256] In some embodiments, a monitoring event is intended to monitor a specific event in a 3GPP network system and make such monitoring event information available to a third-party system via a service capability exposure function (SCEF, Service Capability Exposure Function).

[0257] In some embodiments, support for monitoring events can be provided through a home subscriber server (HSS, Home Subscriber Server), a mobility management entity (MME, Mobility Management Entity), or a policy and charging rules function (PCRF, Policy and Charging Rules Function).

[0258] For example, the HSS monitored event enables the SCEF to configure a given monitored event at the HSS or MME and report the event by the HSS or MME. The third party system is aware of the event when it is monitored by the MME or HSS and opened by the SCEF.

[0259] In some embodiments, referring to Figure Id, a method of requesting specific monitoring information or event reporting is provided, the method comprising:

[0260] Step S1101: sending a monitoring or subscription request. A service capability server (SCS) or an application server (AS) sends a monitoring or subscription request for a given event to a SCEF.

[0261] In some embodiments, the SCS or AS sends a monitoring request to the SCEF, and the request message contains the identifier of the UE outside the 3GPP network or the international mobile subscriber directory number (MSISDN) or the external group identifier, the SCS or AS identifier, the monitoring type, the maximum number of reports, the monitoring duration, the operation indication of monitoring cancellation or addition, and the like.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the SCS or AS needs to configure a monitoring event for a group of UEs, the SCS or AS can include the group identifier of the user group outside the 3GPP network in the monitoring request message. If the external identifier of the group is included in the monitoring request message, the external identifier or MSISDN of the UE should be ignored.

[0263] Step S1102: the SCEF performs processing.

[0264] In some embodiments, the SCEF stores the SCS or AS identifier, the monitoring duration, the maximum number of reports, and the like.

[0265] In some embodiments, if the SCS or AS is not authorized to send the monitoring request of the event, or the SCS or AS has exceeded its quota or rate of submitting monitoring requests, the SCEF performs step S1109 and provides a reason value indicating the error appropriately.

[0266] Step S1103: the SCEF sends a monitoring request to the HSS.

[0267] In some embodiments, the SCEF sends to the HSS an event monitoring request message containing the identifier outside the 3GPP network of the UE or the MSISDN or the external group identifier, the SCEF ID, the monitoring type, the maximum number of reports, the monitoring duration, an indication of the cancel or add event operation, etc., to configure the given monitoring event on the HSS and / or the MME.

[0268] Step S1104: The HSS performs the processing.

[0269] In some embodiments, the HSS checks the monitoring request message, for example, whether the serving MME supports the monitoring of the event. If this check fails, the HSS performs step S1108 and provides the SCEF with an indication of the reason for the failure.

[0270] In some embodiments, the HSS stores the SCEF ID, the maximum number of reports, the monitoring duration. For a monitoring request for a group, these parameters are stored for each group member UE.

[0271] Step S1104 comprises:

[0272] Step S1104a: The HSS sends to the SCEF a monitoring response (reporting event).

[0273] In some embodiments, if it is a monitoring of an event for a group of users, the HSS sends to the SCEF a monitoring response message for returning the confirmation of the monitoring request immediately before processing the monitoring of the event for each user within the group.

[0274] Step S1104b: The SCEF sends to the SCS or AS a monitoring response.

[0275] In some embodiments, the SCEF sends to the SCS or AS a monitoring response message for indicating that the monitoring of the event is in progress.

[0276] Step S1105: The HSS sends to the MME an insert subscription data request.

[0277] In some embodiments, for a given monitoring type and for which the serving MME supports the monitoring, the HSS sends to the MME the insert subscription data request (monitoring type, SCEF ID, maximum number of reports, monitoring duration) for each individual UE or for each UE within a group of users.

[0278] Step S1106: The MME performs the processing.

[0279] In some embodiments, the MME stores the received parameters and starts the monitoring of the event.

[0280] Step S1107: The MME sends to the HSS an insert subscription data answer.

[0281] In some embodiments, if the event monitoring configuration is successful, the MME sends an Insert Subscriber Data Ack message to the HSS.

[0282] In some embodiments, if the requested monitoring event has been detected at the time of sending the Insert Subscriber Data Ack, the MME can include a report of the monitoring event in the Insert Subscriber Data Ack message.

[0283] Step S1108: The HSS sends a monitoring response or indication to the SCEF.

[0284] In some embodiments, for event monitoring of a single UE, the HSS sends a monitoring response (monitoring event report, cause value) message to the SCEF.

[0285] In some embodiments, if the HSS has detected the monitoring event at the time of sending the monitoring response message or in step S1107 when receiving the message from the MME, the HSS includes the monitoring event report in the monitoring response message.

[0286] In some embodiments, if it is event monitoring for a group of users, the HSS accumulates the monitoring event reports from each UE of the group of users for a specified time. After the specified time, the HSS sends a monitoring indication containing the monitoring event reports of all UEs within the group of users.

[0287] Step S1109a: The SCEF sends a monitoring response to the SCS or AS.

[0288] In some embodiments, for event monitoring of a single UE, the SCEF sends a monitoring response (monitoring event report, cause value) message to the SCS or AS.

[0289] Step S1109b: The SCEF sends a monitoring response to the SCS or AS.

[0290] In some embodiments, for event monitoring for a group of users, the SCEF accumulates the monitoring event reports of each UE within the group of users for a specified time. The SCEF sends a monitoring indication to the SCS or AS containing the monitoring event reports of all UEs within the group of users.

[0291] Step S1109c: The SCS or AS sends a monitoring indication response to the SCEF.

[0292] For each monitoring indication message received from step S1109b, the SCS or AS sends a monitoring indication response message to the SCEF, which is used to confirm whether the event monitoring is successful.

[0293] In some embodiments, the support of monitoring events includes event configuration, event detection and reporting of events to an authorized third party (e.g. application server) for making decisions based on the reported events. The following monitoring events can be supported for configuration and reporting:

[0294] UE reachability;

[0295] location of the UE, and change of the location of the UE;

[0296] loss of connection;

[0297] communication failure.

[0298] In some embodiments, in case the UE uses satellite access operating in S&F mode, signaling or data sent by the UE during the time when the feeder link is unavailable will be stored in the satellite and will be forwarded to the CN or AS once the feeder link becomes available. The same S&F mechanism applies to downlink signaling or data as well.

[0299] In some embodiments, if the satellite network supports the store-and-forward S&F feature, the S&F operation will cause more time delay while the communication between the UE and the AS is continuously ongoing through the satellite network. If the AS does not perceive the large time delay caused by the S&F operation, it is likely to misinterpret that one of the other events described above has occurred, such as loss of connection or UE reachability, etc., and the communication will be interrupted due to the similar misinterpretation.

[0300] FIG. 2a is an interaction diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, and the method comprises:

[0301] Step S2101: A first network device sends first information to a second network device.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the first information sent by the first network device.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following:

[0304] a mobility management entity (MME);

[0305] a home subscriber server (HSS);

[0306] a policy and charging rules function (PCRF).

[0307] In some embodiments, the second network device is a service capability exposure function (SCEF).

[0308] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the satellite communication based network operates in a store-and-forward S&F mode.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first information is event information.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of:

[0311] a first time delay, the first time delay being a time delay of data transmission caused by performing the S&F operation;

[0312] a first data amount, the first data amount being an amount of data that a device performing the S&F operation is able to save during a first period, the first period being a period of unavailability of the satellite network connection;

[0313] a first priority, the first priority being a priority of transmitting data after the satellite network connection is restored.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first period can be a first time period.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first period can include at least two time periods.

[0316] The satellite network connection includes at least one of: a feeder link; a service link.

[0317] In some embodiments, the feeder link is a transmission link between an access network device accessed by a terminal and a ground station.

[0318] In some embodiments, the ground station can be a user signal processing device set on the ground for the access network device.

[0319] In some embodiments, the service link is a transmission link between a terminal and an access network device.

[0320] In some embodiments, the transmission link is used to transmit service data.

[0321] In some embodiments, the transmission link is used to transmit signaling.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on at least one of: ephemeris information; user location information; an unavailability time of the feeder link; an unavailability time of the service link.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on ephemeris information.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on user location information.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on ephemeris information and user location information.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on unavailable time of a feeder link.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on unavailable time of a service link.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on unavailable time of a feeder link and unavailable time of a service link.

[0329] In some embodiments, the unavailable time can be unavailable time length.

[0330] In some embodiments, the ephemeris information comprises connection time information and / or interruption time information of a feeder link.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first time delay is a data transmission time delay.

[0332] In some embodiments, the first data amount is a data storage quota.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first priority is a data front-haul priority or a data transmission priority.

[0334] In some embodiments, a monitoring event notification message is sent to the second network device in a monitoring event notification process.

[0335] In some embodiments, the monitoring event notification message comprises the first information.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first network device determines that the second network device subscribes to a first event to the first network device, and the first network device sends the first information to the second network device.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first network device sends the first information to the second network device after the second network device subscribes to a first event to the first network device.

[0338] In some embodiments, the second network device can subscribe to the first event from the first network device after receiving a subscription request for the first time from a service capability server (SCS) or an application server (AS).

[0339] In some embodiments, the first event is triggered when the terminal accesses the satellite network.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first event is triggered when the terminal accesses the satellite network.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first network device determines that the first network device for serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite, and the first network device sends the first information to the second network device.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first network device determines that a third network device for serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite and supports S&F operation, and the first network device sends the first information to the second network device.

[0343] In some embodiments, the third network device is different from the first network device and the second network device.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first network device determines that the first network device detects a second event, the terminal accesses the network based on satellite communication supports S&F operation, and the second event is caused by the S&F operation, and the first network device sends the first information to the second network device.

[0345] In some embodiments, the second event is an event caused by connection loss.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate the connection loss.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate the reason for the connection loss, and the reason is that the connection loss is caused by the S&F operation.

[0348] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate the connection loss and the reason for the connection loss, and the reason is that the connection loss is caused by the S&F operation.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first information is used to assist the first server in determining the first behavior.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first behavior is a behavior of performing service communication.

[0351] In some embodiments, the first behavior comprises at least one of:

[0352] determining, based on the first information, to perform service communication when the network is operating in the S&F mode;

[0353] determining, based on the first information, not to perform service communication when the network is operating in the S&F mode;

[0354] determining, based on the first information, a time to send downlink data;

[0355] determining, based on the first information, to subscribe to a third event;

[0356] determining, based on the first information, not to subscribe to a third event.

[0357] In some embodiments, the third event is an event caused by at least one of: UE reachability; location of the terminal; change of the location of the terminal; loss of connectivity; communication failure.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first server is a service capability server (SCS) and / or an application server (AS).

[0359] Step S2102: The second network device sends first information to the first server.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first server receives the first information sent by the second network device.

[0361] In some embodiments, the second network device sends a monitoring event notification message to the first server in a monitoring event notification process.

[0362] In some embodiments, the monitoring event notification message contains the first information.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate loss of connection and / or a reason for the loss of connection, the reason being that the loss of connection is caused by the S&F operation.

[0364] Step S2103: The first server determines a first behavior based on the first information.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first behavior is a behavior of performing service communication.

[0366] In some embodiments, the first behavior is determined, based on the first information, to perform service communication when the network is operating in the S&F mode.

[0367] In some embodiments, it is determined not to perform service communication based on the first information when the network operates in the S&F mode.

[0368] In some embodiments, it is determined a time for sending downlink data based on the first information.

[0369] In some embodiments, it is determined to subscribe to a third event based on the first information.

[0370] In some embodiments, it is determined not to subscribe to a third event based on the first information.

[0371] In some embodiments, the term "information" can be mutually replaced with the terms "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "field", "data", and the like.

[0372] In some embodiments, the term "send" can be mutually replaced with the terms "transmit", "report", and the like.

[0373] The information indication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2101 in combination with step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 in combination with step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or can be arbitrarily exchanged in order and freely combined for implementation without contradiction.

[0374] FIG. 3a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above method comprises:

[0375] Step S3101: sending first information to a second network device.

[0376] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0377] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved by FIG. 2a, which are not described herein again.

[0378] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of:

[0379] a first time delay, the first time delay being a time delay of data transmission caused by performing the S&F operation;

[0380] a first data amount, the first data amount being an amount of data that can be saved by the device performing the S&F operation in a first period, the first period being a period of unavailability of the satellite network connection;

[0381] a first priority, the first priority being a priority of transmitting data after the satellite network connection is restored.

[0382] In some embodiments, the satellite network connection comprises at least one of: a feeder link; a service link.

[0383] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on ephemeris information and / or user location information.

[0384] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on an unavailability duration of the feeder link and / or an unavailability duration of the service link.

[0385] In some embodiments, the sending of the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0386] sending a monitoring event notification message to the second network device in a monitoring event notification process;

[0387] The monitoring event notification message contains the first information.

[0388] In some embodiments, the sending of the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0389] determining that the second network device subscribes to a first event of the first network device, and sending the first information to the second network device;

[0390] The first event is triggering the first network device to send notification information to the second network device when a terminal accesses using a satellite network.

[0391] In some embodiments, the sending of the first information to the second network device comprises at least one of:

[0392] determining that the first network device serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite, and sending the first information to the second network device;

[0393] determining that a third network device serving the terminal is deployed on the satellite and supports S&F operation, and sending the first information to the second network device.

[0394] In some embodiments, the sending the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0395] determining that the first network device detects a second event, that a terminal accessing a satellite-based communication network supports S&F operation, and that the second event is caused by S&F operation, and sending the first information to the second network device;

[0396] In some embodiments, the second event is an event caused by connection loss.

[0397] In some embodiments, the first information further indicates connection loss and / or a cause of connection loss, the cause being that connection loss is caused by S&F operation.

[0398] In some embodiments, the first information is used to assist the first server in determining a first behavior, the first behavior being a behavior of performing service communication.

[0399] In some embodiments, the first behavior comprises at least one of:

[0400] determining, based on the first information, to perform service communication when the network operates in S&F mode;

[0401] determining, based on the first information, not to perform service communication when the network operates in S&F mode;

[0402] determining, based on the first information, a time of sending downlink data;

[0403] determining, based on the first information, to subscribe to a third event;

[0404] determining, based on the first information, not to subscribe to a third event.

[0405] In some embodiments, the third event is an event caused by at least one of: reachability of the terminal; location of the terminal; change of location of the terminal; loss of connection; communication failure.

[0406] In some embodiments, the first server is a service capability server (SCS) and / or an application server (AS).

[0407] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of: a mobility management entity (MME); a home subscriber server (HSS); a policy and charging rules function (PCRF); and the second network device is a service capability exposure function (SCEF).

[0408] FIG. 4a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a second network device, and the above method comprises the following steps.

[0409] Step S4101: obtaining first information.

[0410] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the first information sent by the first network device, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the first information sent by other subjects.

[0412] In some embodiments, the second network device obtains the first information specified by a protocol.

[0413] In some embodiments, the second network device obtains the first information from upper layer(s).

[0414] In some embodiments, the second network device processes to obtain the first information.

[0415] In some embodiments, step S4101 is omitted, and the second network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is default or default.

[0416] Step S4102: sending the first information to the first server.

[0417] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0418] The information indication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of steps S4101 to S4102. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4101 in combination with step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, and can be arbitrarily exchanged in order and freely combined for implementation without contradiction.

[0419] FIG. 4b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a second network device, and the above method comprises the following steps.

[0420] Step S4201: receiving first information sent by the first network device.

[0421] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0422] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which are not described herein again.

[0423] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of:

[0424] a first time delay, the first time delay being a time delay of data transmission caused by performing an S&F operation;

[0425] a first data amount, the first data amount being an amount of data that can be saved by a device performing an S&F operation in a first period, the first period being a period of unavailability of a satellite network connection;

[0426] a first priority, the first priority being a priority of data transmission after the satellite network connection is restored.

[0427] In some embodiments, the satellite network connection includes at least one of: a feeder link; a service link.

[0428] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on ephemeris information and / or user location information.

[0429] In some embodiments, the first time delay is determined based on an unavailability duration of the feeder link and / or an unavailability duration of the service link.

[0430] In some embodiments, the receiving of the first information sent by the first network device includes:

[0431] In a monitoring event notification process, a monitoring event notification message sent by the first network device is received;

[0432] The monitoring event notification message contains the first information.

[0433] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate a connection loss and / or a reason for the connection loss, the reason being that the connection loss is caused by an S&F operation.

[0434] In some embodiments, the first information is used to assist the first server in determining a first behavior, the first behavior being a behavior of performing service communication.

[0435] In some embodiments, the first behavior includes at least one of:

[0436] determining, based on the first information, whether to carry out service communication when the network is operating in the S&F mode;

[0437] determining, based on the first information, whether not to carry out service communication when the network is operating in the S&F mode;

[0438] determining, based on the first information, a time for sending downlink data;

[0439] determining, based on the first information, whether to subscribe to a third event;

[0440] determining, based on the first information, whether not to subscribe to a third event.

[0441] In some embodiments, the third event is an event caused by at least one of the following: reachability of the terminal; location of the terminal; change of the location of the terminal; loss of connection; communication failure.

[0442] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following: a mobility management entity (MME); a home subscriber server (HSS); a policy and charging rules function (PCRF); and the second network device is a service capability exposure function (SCEF).

[0443] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0444] sending the first information to a first server.

[0445] In some embodiments, the first server is a service capability server (SCS) and / or an application server (AS).

[0446] FIG. 5a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first server, and the above method comprises:

[0447] Step S5101: obtaining first information.

[0448] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0449] In some embodiments, the first server receives the first information sent by the second network device, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the first information sent by other subjects.

[0450] In some embodiments, the first server obtains the first information specified by a protocol.

[0451] In some embodiments, the first server obtains the first information from an upper layer(s).

[0452] In some embodiments, the first server processes to obtain the first information.

[0453] In some embodiments, step S5101 is omitted, and the first server autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the function is default.

[0454] Step S5102: determining the first behavior based on the first information.

[0455] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0456] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S5101 to S5102. For example, step S5101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S5101 in combination with step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or can be arbitrarily exchanged in order and freely combined for implementation without contradiction.

[0457] FIG. 5b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5b, the communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure is executed by a first server, and the method includes:

[0458] Step S5201: receiving first information sent by a second network device.

[0459] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that a satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0460] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0461] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of:

[0462] A first time delay, the first time delay being a time delay of data transmission caused by performing an S&F operation;

[0463] A first data amount, the first data amount being an amount of data that can be saved by a device performing an S&F operation in a first period, the first period being a period in which a satellite network connection is unavailable;

[0464] First priority, which is the priority for transmitting data after the satellite network connection is restored.

[0465] In some embodiments, the satellite network connection includes at least one of the following: a feeder link; a service link.

[0466] In some embodiments, the first delay is determined based on ephemeris information and / or user location information.

[0467] In some embodiments, the first delay is determined based on the unavailability duration of the feeder link and / or the unavailability duration of the service link.

[0468] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0469] The first action is determined based on the first information;

[0470] The first action is the action of performing business communication.

[0471] In some embodiments, the first behavior includes at least one of the following:

[0472] When the network is operating in S&F mode, the first information is used to determine whether to conduct business communication.

[0473] When the network is operating in S&F mode, it is determined based on the first information that no service communication will be carried out.

[0474] The time for sending downlink data is determined based on the first information;

[0475] Based on the first information, determine to subscribe to the third event;

[0476] Based on the first piece of information, it is determined not to subscribe to the third event.

[0477] In some embodiments, the third event is an event caused by at least one of the following: terminal reachability; terminal location; change of terminal location; loss of connection; communication failure.

[0478] In some embodiments, the first server is a Service Capability Server (SCS) and / or an Application Server (AS); the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF); and the second network device is a Service Capability Opening Function (SCEF).

[0479] Figure 6a is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0480] Step S6101: The first network device sends the first information to the second network device.

[0481] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0482] Step S6102: The second network device sends the first information to the first server.

[0483] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S6102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0484] In some embodiments, the above method can include the method of the above-mentioned first core network device side and terminal side embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0485] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following will be further illustrated through some exemplary embodiments:

[0486] In some embodiments, the first network element (corresponding to the first network device in the present disclosure) reports the first information to the SCEF (corresponding to the second network device in the present disclosure), and the information is used to indicate that the network operates in the store-and-forward mode.

[0487] In some embodiments, the first network element can be an MME, an HSS or a PCRF.

[0488] In some embodiments, when reporting the first information, at least one of the following information is also reported:

[0489] Data transmission delay (corresponding to the first delay), which is mainly the delay caused by S&F, and which can be determined according to ephemeris information (for example, according to the length of time when the feeder link is unavailable);

[0490] Data storage quota (corresponding to the first data amount), which defines the amount of data that can be saved during the period when the satellite connection is unavailable (for example, when the feeder link is unavailable);

[0491] Data forwarding priority (corresponding to the first priority), which defines the priority of data transmission when the satellite connection is restored.

[0492] In some embodiments, the reporting of the first information is after the SCEF subscribes to the first event from the first network element.

[0493] In some embodiments, the SCEF subscribes to the first event from the first network element after receiving the subscription of the first event from the SCS or the AS.

[0494] In some embodiments, the first event is triggering the first network device to send the notification information to the second network device when the terminal accesses using the satellite network.

[0495] In some embodiments, the reporting result of the first information can assist the service capability server SCS or the application server AS to determine the service communication behavior (corresponding to the first behavior, for example, whether to carry out service communication when the network operates in the store-and-forward mode according to the time delay reported by the first event, or to determine the time of sending downlink data according to the first event report, or to determine to subscribe to other events (UEreachability, loss of connectivity) according to the first event report).

[0496] Example 1: The flow of FIG. 1d can be reused.

[0497] Please refer to FIG. 7a, the embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, the method comprises:

[0498] Step S7101: Corresponding to step S1101, the SCS or AS sets the monitoring type to "network with S&F operation" and sends a monitoring request to the SCEF. "Network with S&F operation" means that the network using satellite access and the network function on the satellite support S&F operation.

[0499] Steps S7102 to S7103: Corresponding to steps S1102 to S1103.

[0500] That is:

[0501] Step S7102: The SCEF performs processing.

[0502] Step S7103: The SCEF sends a monitoring request to the HSS.

[0503] Step S7104: Corresponding to step S1104. That is: the HSS performs processing.

[0504] Step S7105: When the HSS identifies that the monitoring request is associated with an individual UE, the HSS sends the monitoring request to the MME selected by the UE. If the monitoring request is associated with a group of UEs, the HSS sends the monitoring request to the MME corresponding to the MME list selected by the affected UEs.

[0505] Step S7106: If the MME serving the UE is deployed on the satellite, or it knows that other network functions serving the UE are deployed on the satellite and the deployed network functions support S&F operation, the MME determines to report the "network with S&F operation" event. Otherwise, the MME does not report the event or reports that the network does not have S&F operation.

[0506] Step S7107: The MME reports the "network with S&F operation" monitoring event to the SCEF. As part of the event reporting, the following information can be reported with the event. These include:

[0507] Time delay of S&F operation (corresponding to the first time delay), which can be determined based on satellite ephemeris information;

[0508] Data storage quota (corresponding to the first data amount), defining the amount of data that can be stored during the connection;

[0509] Data forwarding priority (corresponding to the first priority), defining the data forwarding priority at the time of connection recovery.

[0510] Step S7108: The HSS reports the "network with S&F operation" to the SCEF, and if the MME does not provide the data storage quota or the data forwarding priority, the HSS can determine the quota and priority according to the UE subscription information, and provide the information with the "network with S&F operation" event.

[0511] Step S7109: The SCEF reports the event and information to the SCS / AS. Considering the event and other information (time delay, data storage quota, data forwarding priority), the AS can determine whether and when to initiate downlink service data.

[0512] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, and optional implementation manners thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0513] Example 2: Reuse the "connection loss" monitoring event described in TS23.682 clause 5.6.1.3.

[0514] Please refer to FIG. 7b, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, and the above method comprises:

[0515] Step S7201: Corresponding to step S1101, the SCS / AS sets the monitoring type to "connection loss", and optionally adds a maximum detection time before sending a monitoring request to the SCEF.

[0516] Steps S7202 to S7205: Corresponding to steps S1102 to S1105.

[0517] That is,

[0518] Step S7202: The SCEF performs processing.

[0519] Step S7203: The SCEF sends a monitoring request to the HSS.

[0520] Step S7204: The HSS performs the processing.

[0521] Step S7205: The HSS sends an Insert Subscriber Data Request to the MME.

[0522] Step S7206: If the MME detects a "connection loss" event, and if the MME knows that the UE is using satellite access with S&F operation and the "connection loss" event is caused by S&F operation, the MME can report the "connection loss" event together with an indication of "network with S&F operation" which indicates that the connection loss is caused by S&F operation. In addition, the time delay determined based on the satellite ephemeris information is also provided with the event.

[0523] Step S7207: The "connection loss" event together with the "network with S&F operation" indication and optional time delay information is reported to the SCS or AS by the HSS and the SCEF. The AS can determine whether and when to initiate downlink service data taking into account the indication and the time delay information.

[0524] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a device for implementing any of the above methods, for example, a device comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network device (such as an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0525] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of the hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the above units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of the elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules are implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part is implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0526] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, the hardware circuit can also be designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), or the like.

[0527] FIG. 8a is a structural schematic diagram of a first network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8a, the first network device 8100 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8101, a processing module 8102, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to transmit and / or receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as transmitting and / or receiving, performed by the first network device in any of the methods described above. Details are not described herein again. Optionally, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first network device in any of the methods described above. Details are not described herein again.

[0528] FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of a structure of the second network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8b, the second network device 8200 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8201, a processing module 8202, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to transceive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the steps of transmitting and / or receiving and the like in the communication performed by the second network device in any of the methods described above, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the second network device in any of the methods described above, which will not be described herein again.

[0529] FIG. 8c is a schematic diagram of a structure of the first server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8c, the first server 8300 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8301, a processing module 8302, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to transceive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the steps of transmitting and / or receiving and the like in the communication performed by the first server in any of the methods described above, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first server in any of the methods described above, which will not be described herein again.

[0530] FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device 9100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 9100 can be a network device (for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like), a terminal (for example, a user equipment, and the like), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the methods described above, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the methods described above. The communication device 9100 can be configured to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, which can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0531] As shown in FIG. 9a, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general processor or a special-purpose processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be configured to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be configured to control the communication device (for example, a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, and the like), execute programs, and process data of the programs. The communication device 9100 is configured to implement any of the methods described above.

[0532] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9102 configured to store instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 9102 can also be outside the communication device 9100.

[0533] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9103. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9103, the transceiver 9103 performs at least one of the communication steps (for example, step S2101, step S3101, but not limited to) in the above-described methods, and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2102, step S3102, but not limited to).

[0534] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms of transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms of transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms of receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0535] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 can include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuit 9104 is connected with the memory 9102, and the interface circuit 9104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 9102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 9104 can read the instructions stored in the memory 9102 and send the instructions to the processor 9101.

[0536] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 can not be limited by FIG. 9a. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0537] FIG. 9b is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 9200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 9200 shown in FIG. 9b can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0538] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201, and the chip 9200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0539] In some embodiments, the chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Optionally, the interface circuits 9202 are connected with the memory 9203, and the interface circuits 9202 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 9203 or other devices, and the interface circuits 9202 can be configured to send signals to the memory 9203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9202 can read instructions stored in the memory 9203 and send the instructions to the processor 9201.

[0540] In some embodiments, the interface circuits 9202 perform at least one of the communication steps (for example, step S2101, step S3101, but not limited thereto) in the above methods, and the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2102, step S3102, but not limited thereto).

[0541] In some embodiments, the interface circuits, interfaces, transceiver pins, transceivers, and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0542] In some embodiments, the chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9203 can be outside the chip 9200.

[0543] The present disclosure further proposes a storage medium, and the above storage medium stores instructions, and when the above instructions run on the communication device 9100, the communication device 9100 performs any one of the above methods. Optionally, the above storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the above storage medium is a computer readable storage medium, but not limited thereto, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the above storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0544] The present disclosure further proposes a program product, and the above program product is executed by the communication device 9100, so that the communication device 9100 performs any one of the above methods. Optionally, the above program product is a computer program product.

[0545] The present disclosure further proposes a computer program, and when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises: sending first information to a second network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate that a satellite communication-based network operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: a first time delay, which is a time delay of data transmission caused by performing an S&F operation; a first data amount, which is an amount of data that a device performing an S&F operation can save during a first period, the first period being a period of unavailability of a satellite network connection; a first priority, which is a priority of transmitting data after a satellite network connection is restored.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first time delay is determined based on at least one of the following: ephemeris information; user location information; unavailability time of a feeder link; unavailability time of a service link.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information is used to assist the first server in determining a first behavior, which is a behavior of performing service communication.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The first behavior comprises at least one of the following: determining, based on the first information, to carry out service communication when the network operates in the S&F mode; determining, based on the first information, not to carry out service communication when the network operates in the S&F mode; determining, based on the first information, a time of sending downlink data; determining, based on the first information, to subscribe to a third event; determining, based on the first information, not to subscribe to a third event.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The third event is an event caused by at least one of the following: reachability of a terminal; location of a terminal; change of location of a terminal; loss of connection; communication failure.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The sending of the first information to the second network device comprises: sending a monitoring event notification message to the second network device in a monitoring event notification process, wherein the monitoring event notification message contains the first information; determining that the second network device subscribes to a first event of the first network device, and sending the first information to the second network device; wherein the first event is an event that triggers the first network device to send notification information to the second network device when accessing a satellite network; determining that the first network device serving a terminal is deployed on the satellite, and sending the first information to the second network device; determining that a third network device serving a terminal is deployed on the satellite and supports S&F operation, and sending the first information to the second network device; determining that the first network device detects a second event, that a terminal accesses a satellite communication-based network supports S&F operation, and that the second event is caused by S&F operation, and sending the first information to the second network device; wherein the second event is an event caused by loss of connection.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate loss of connection and / or a reason for loss of connection, which is that loss of connection is caused by S&F operation.

9. The method of claim 2, wherein, The satellite network connection comprises at least one of the following: a feeder link; a service link.

10. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The first server is a service capability server (SCS) and / or an application server (AS).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first network device is one of the following: a mobility management entity (MME); a home subscriber server (HSS); a policy and charging rules function (PCRF); and the second network device is a service capability exposure function (SCEF).

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a second network device, and the method comprises: receiving first information sent by a first network device; The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: a first time delay, which is a time delay of data transmission caused by performing an S&F operation; a first data amount, which is an amount of data that a device performing an S&F operation can save during a first period, the first period being a period during which a satellite network connection is unavailable; a first priority, which is a priority of transmitting data after a satellite network connection is restored.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first time delay is determined based on at least one of the following: ephemeris information; user location information; an unavailable time of a feeder link; and an unavailable time of a service link.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The first information is used to assist a first server in determining a first behavior, the first behavior being a behavior of performing service communication.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first behavior comprises at least one of the following: determining, based on the first information, to carry out service communication when the network operates in the S&F mode; determining, based on the first information, not to carry out service communication when the network operates in the S&F mode; determining, based on the first information, a time of sending downlink data; determining, based on the first information, to subscribe to a third event; determining, based on the first information, not to subscribe to a third event.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The third event is an event caused by at least one of the following: reachability of a terminal; location of a terminal; change of location of a terminal; loss of connection; and communication failure.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that, The receiving of the first information sent by the first network device comprises: receiving, in a monitoring event notification process, a monitoring event notification message sent by the first network device; The monitoring event notification message contains the first information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate loss of connection and / or a reason for the loss of connection, the reason being that the loss of connection is caused by an S&F operation.

20. The method of any one of claims 12-19, wherein, The first network device is one of the following: a mobility management entity (MME); a home subscriber server (HSS); a policy and charging rules function (PCRF); and the second network device is a service capability exposure function (SCEF).

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending the first information to a first server.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein, The satellite network connection comprises at least one of the following: a feeder link; and a service link.

23. The method of claim 15 or 17, wherein, The first server is a service capability server (SCS) and / or an application server (AS).

24. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a second network device; The first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: a first time delay, which is a time delay of data transmission caused by performing an S&F operation; a first data amount, which is an amount of data that a device performing an S&F operation can save during a first period, the first period being a period during which a satellite network connection is unavailable; a first priority, which is a priority of transmitting data after a satellite network connection is restored. a first priority, the first priority being a priority of transmitting data after a satellite network connection is recovered.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The first time delay is determined based on at least one of the following: ephemeris information; user location information; unavailable time of a feeder link; unavailable time of a service link.

27. The method of any one of claims 24-26, wherein, The method further comprises: determining a first behavior based on the first information; wherein the first behavior is a behavior of performing service communication.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The first behavior comprises at least one of the following: determining to perform service communication based on the first information when the network operates in an S&F mode; determining not to perform service communication based on the first information when the network operates in an S&F mode; determining a time of sending downlink data based on the first information; determining to subscribe to a third event based on the first information; determining not to subscribe to a third event based on the first information.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, The third event is an event caused by at least one of the following: reachability of a terminal; location of a terminal; change of location of a terminal; loss of connection; communication failure.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein, The satellite network connection comprises at least one of the following: a feeder link; a service link.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein, The first server is a service capability server (SCS) and / or an application server (AS); and the second network device is a service capability exposure function (SCEF).

32. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: sending, by a first network device, first information to a second network device; sending, by the second network device, the first information to a first server; wherein the first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

33. A first network device, comprising: The first network device comprises: a transceiver module configured to: send first information to a second network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

34. A second network device, comprising: The second network device comprises: a transceiver module configured to: receive first information sent by a first network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

35. A first server, comprising: The first server comprises: a transceiver module configured to: receive first information sent by a second network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate that a network based on satellite communication operates in a store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

36. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first network device, a second network device and a first server; the first network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, the second network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 12 to 23, and the first server is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 24 to 31.

37. A first network device, comprising: The first network device comprises: one or more processors; wherein the first network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 11.

38. A second network device, comprising: The second network device comprises: one or more processors; wherein the second network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 12 to 23.

39. A first server, comprising: The first server comprises: one or more processors; wherein the first server is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 24 to 31.

40. A storage medium characterized by The storage medium stores instructions which, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any of claims 1-11, claims 12-23, or claims 24-31.

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