Communication method, terminal, first network device, system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a terminal, a first network device, a system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: a terminal receives first information sent by a first network device, the first information being used for indicating the validity time of a CHO configuration; and on the basis of the first information, assisting the terminal in executing a CHO procedure. Thus, a CHO execution procedure by a terminal during NTN communication is standardized, and the terminal executes CHO within a validity time indicated by first information, thereby preventing communication disruption caused by link interruption during NTN communication, and ensuring communication performance of an NTN communication architecture.

Description

Communication method, terminal, first network device, system and storage medium Technical Field

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

[0002] NTN (Non-terrestrial Network) is an important technology introduced in next-generation communication systems. It provides radio resources to UE (User Equipment) via satellite (or drones) instead of ground base stations. Depending on how the satellite processes the signal, NTN communication can be divided into transparent transmission mode and regenerative mode. Signal transmission in the NTN communication architecture is achieved based on these two transmission modes.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the technical problem of communication dysfunction caused by inter-satellite link interruption in related technologies, this disclosure proposes a communication method, a terminal, a first network device, a system, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] Receive first information sent by the first network device, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the condition switching CHO configuration;

[0007] Based on the first information, the terminal is assisted in executing the CHO process.

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

[0009] Send a first message to the terminal, the first message being used to indicate the validity period of the CHO configuration, and the first message being used to assist the terminal in executing the CHO process.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising:

[0011] The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by the first network device, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the condition switching CHO configuration;

[0012] The processing module is configured to assist the terminal in executing the CHO process based on the first information.

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

[0014] The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the CHO configuration, and the first information being used to assist the terminal in executing the CHO process.

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

[0016] One or more processors;

[0017] The terminal is used to execute the communication method described in any one of the first aspects of this disclosure.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a first network device is provided, comprising:

[0019] One or more processors;

[0020] The first network device is used to perform the communication method described in any one of the first aspects of this disclosure.

[0021] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a first network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the first aspects of the present disclosure, and the first network device is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first aspects of the present disclosure, or cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program and / or instructions, wherein the computer program and / or instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method as described in any one of the first aspects of the present disclosure, or the computer program and / or instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method as described in any one of the second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] In this manner, the terminal receives first information sent by the first network device. This first information indicates the effective time of the CHO configuration. Based on this first information, the terminal is assisted in executing the CHO process. This standardizes the terminal's CHO execution process during NTN communication. The terminal executes the CHO within the effective time indicated by the first information, avoiding communication disruptions caused by line interruptions during NTN communication and ensuring the communication performance of the NTN communication architecture. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication pass-through mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication regeneration mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the control plane flow for CHO switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 8100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a first network device, a system, and a storage medium.

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

[0041] Receive first information sent by the first network device, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the condition switching CHO configuration;

[0042] Based on the first information, the terminal is assisted in executing the CHO process.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the execution process of the terminal's CHO during NTN communication is standardized. The terminal executes the CHO within the effective time indicated by the first information to avoid communication obstruction caused by line interruption during NTN communication and to ensure the communication performance of the NTN communication architecture.

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

[0045] First time information, which is used to indicate the time when the terminal evaluates the CHO condition;

[0046] The second time information is used to indicate the time when the terminal switches to the target cell if the CHO condition is met, and the target cell is the cell to which the terminal switches if the CHO condition is met;

[0047] Third time information, which indicates the time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the network can indicate the valid time of the CHO configuration through various types of time information, thereby selecting multiple types to indicate the valid time and improving the diversity of the indication method.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes:

[0050] Fourth time information, which indicates the time during which the serving cell of the terminal and the target cell have a communication connection; or,

[0051] The fifth time information is used to indicate the time when the serving cell of the terminal and the target cell do not have a communication connection.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the network assists the terminal in executing the CHO process by indicating the time of connection between the serving cell and the target cell, enabling the terminal to determine the effective time of the CHO configuration based on the connection time.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the communication connection includes at least one of the following:

[0054] The inter-satellite link connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0055] The base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0056] Inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell;

[0057] The first network device is connected to the base station interface of the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

[0058] In the above embodiments, various methods of communication connection are specified, including base station interface connection and / or inter-satellite link connection, thereby improving the diversity of the above indication methods.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time for the terminal to evaluate the CHO condition. The step of assisting the terminal in performing the CHO process based on the first information includes:

[0060] Determine that the terminal is within the time range corresponding to the first time information, and evaluate the CHO condition; or,

[0061] If the terminal is outside the time range corresponding to the first time information, the evaluation of the CHO condition is prohibited.

[0062] In the above embodiments, the specifications define how the terminal assists in executing the CHO process based on first-time information, thereby ensuring the communication performance of the NTN communication architecture.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes first time information, which is used to indicate a time period during which the terminal is prohibited from evaluating the CHO condition. The step of assisting the terminal in performing the CHO process based on the first information includes:

[0064] Determining that the terminal is prohibited from evaluating the CHO condition within the time range corresponding to the first time information; or,

[0065] If the terminal is outside the time range corresponding to the first time information, evaluate the CHO condition;

[0066] In the above embodiments, the standard specifies how the terminal assists in executing the CHO process based on first-time information. Different judgment and indication methods are configured to improve the practicality of the above methods, thereby ensuring the communication performance of the NTN communication architecture.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes the second time information, which is used to indicate the time when the terminal switches to the target cell under the condition that the CHO condition is met. The step of assisting the terminal in performing the CHO process based on the first information includes:

[0068] If the terminal is within the time range corresponding to the second time information, and the terminal meets the CHO condition, then the CHO is executed.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the method for the terminal to execute the CHO process based on the second time is specified, ensuring that the terminal executes the CHO within the time range of the second time, thereby guaranteeing the communication performance of the terminal during the CHO process.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes the third time information, the third time information being used to indicate the effective time of the CHO configuration, and the step of assisting the terminal in executing the CHO process based on the first information includes:

[0071] The terminal is determined to execute the CHO process within the time range corresponding to the third time information.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the standard specifies how the terminal executes the CHO process based on a third time period, ensuring that the terminal executes the CHO within the time range of the third time period, thus guaranteeing the communication performance of the terminal during the CHO process.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, performing the CHO process includes:

[0074] Evaluate the CHO conditions;

[0075] If the terminal is determined to meet the CHO condition, the terminal's current serving cell is switched to the target cell.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the specific method of the terminal executing the CHO process is specified to ensure communication performance.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is configured to prohibit the evaluation of CHO conditions and / or the execution of the CHO process when the terminal is outside the time range corresponding to the effective time.

[0078] In the above embodiments, the terminal determines whether to prohibit the execution of the CHO process based on the effective time indicated by the first information, thereby avoiding terminal action disorder and improving the performance of the terminal-side CHO switching process.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried by second information, the second information including the CHO configuration.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the method of carrying the first information is standardized, and the effective time is indicated by CHO configuration, thereby improving the communication efficiency in the NTN communication process.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the CHO configuration includes at least one of the following: time condition configuration, distance condition configuration, and signal quality condition configuration.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the effective time corresponding to the first information is configured in the condition configuration corresponding to the CHO configuration, so as to avoid the overhead of transmitting additional information and improve the communication efficiency in the NTN communication process.

[0083] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first network device, the method comprising:

[0084] Send a first message to the terminal, the first message being used to indicate the validity period of the CHO configuration, and the first message being used to assist the terminal in executing the CHO process.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0086] First time information, which is used to indicate the time when the terminal evaluates the CHO condition;

[0087] The second time information is used to indicate the time when the terminal switches to the target cell if the CHO condition is met, and the target cell is the cell to which the terminal switches if the CHO condition is met;

[0088] Third time information, which indicates the time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes:

[0090] Fourth time information, which indicates the time during which the serving cell of the terminal and the target cell have a communication connection; or,

[0091] The fifth time information is used to indicate the time when the serving cell of the terminal and the target cell do not have a communication connection.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the communication connection includes at least one of the following:

[0093] The inter-satellite link connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0094] The base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0095] Inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell;

[0096] The first network device is connected to the base station interface of the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried by second information, the second information including the CHO configuration.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the CHO configuration includes at least one of the following: time condition configuration, distance condition configuration, and signal quality condition configuration.

[0099] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0100] The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by the first network device, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the condition switching CHO configuration;

[0101] The processing module is configured to assist the terminal in executing the CHO process based on the first information.

[0102] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network device, comprising:

[0103] The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the CHO configuration, and the first information being used to assist the terminal in executing the CHO process.

[0104] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0105] One or more processors;

[0106] The terminal is used to execute the communication method described in any one of the first aspects of this disclosure.

[0107] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network device, comprising:

[0108] One or more processors;

[0109] The first network device is used to perform the communication method described in any one of the second aspects of this disclosure.

[0110] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a first network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the first aspects of this disclosure, and the first network device is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the second aspects of this disclosure.

[0111] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first aspects of this disclosure, or cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the second aspects of this disclosure.

[0112] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program and / or instructions, wherein when the computer program and / or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method as described in any one of the first aspects of this disclosure, or when the computer program and / or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method as described in any one of the second aspects of this disclosure.

[0113] In this manner, the terminal receives first information sent by the first network device. This first information indicates the effective time of the CHO configuration. Based on this first information, the terminal is assisted in executing the CHO process. This standardizes the terminal's CHO execution process during NTN communication. The terminal executes the CHO within the effective time indicated by the first information, avoiding communication disruptions caused by line interruptions during NTN communication and ensuring the communication performance of the NTN communication architecture.

[0114] It is understood that the aforementioned terminal, first network device, second network device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0115] This disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a first network device, a system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as communication device and information processing device, and terms such as information processing system and communication system.

[0116] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one (at least one item, at least one)”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0125] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0127] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0128] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0129] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0130] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "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," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0131] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "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," etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0133] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0134] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0135] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a first network device 102.

[0136] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0138] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0139] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0140] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0141] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0142] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0143] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0144] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the NTN communication architecture includes a gateway, a UE, and a satellite. The gateway transmits data from the data network to the satellite (or UAV system platform) via a feed link or a feedback link. The satellite then transmits the data to the UE via a service link. Alternatively, the UE transmits data to the satellite (or UAV system platform) via a service link, and the satellite then transmits the data to the ground gateway via a feed link or a feedback link.

[0145] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the NTN communication transparent transmission mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, in the NTN communication architecture in transparent transmission mode, the NTN ground station sends the gNB signal to the satellite. After the satellite converts the signal to the satellite frequency band, it transmits the signal to the UE through the satellite frequency band. During the transmission process in transparent transmission mode, apart from frequency conversion and signal amplification, the satellite does not demodulate the transmission signal sent by the gNB. In the transparent transmission mode, the satellite is similar to a repeater, copying and transmitting the signal transmitted by the gNB.

[0146] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication regeneration mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1D, in the NTN communication architecture in regeneration mode, after the NTN ground station sends the gNB signal to the satellite, the gNB on the satellite processes the data and sends it to the UE.

[0147] In some embodiments, due to deployment issues of the NTN network architecture and the corresponding movement of satellites, there may be no inter-satellite links between different satellites, or the inter-satellite links between different satellites may not be sustainable, resulting in communication obstacles during NTN communication transmission.

[0148] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the control plane flow for CHO (Conditional Handover) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1E, in this CHO control flow, the UE interacts with the source gNB, establishes a communication connection with the target gNB or other potential target gNBs, and performs user data interaction based on this communication connection. Simultaneously, the source gNB interacts with the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element and the UPF (User Plane Function) network element. Through the data interaction process between these nodes, the UE's data plane is constituted. The AMF network element provides mobility control information to the source gNB, target gNB, and other potential target gNBs in this data plane.

[0149] In some embodiments, based on the above data plane, the control plane procedure for UE corresponding to CHO handover includes: (1) User data interaction between UE and source gNB, UE reporting report information, and source gNB ensuring control over UE; (2) Source gNB evaluating UE's CHO based on the interaction data; (3) Transferring the CHO handover request to the corresponding target gNB, or transferring the CHO handover request to other potential target gNBs; (4) Target gNB or other potential target gNBs accessing control based on the handover request; (5) Target gNB or other potential target gNBs sending handover request confirmation information back to source gNB; (6) Source gNB confirming the handover request based on the handover request. (7) After the UE completes the RRC re-establishment with the target gNB or any of the multiple potential target gNBs based on the RRC re-establishment, it sends the RRC re-establishment completion feedback to the source gNB; (8) Based on the above steps, the UE completes the CHO handover and switches from the serving cell corresponding to the source gNB to the target cell corresponding to the target gNB or potential target gNB; (8a) The target gNB or potential target gNB sends the handover success information to the source gNB; (8b) The source gNB sends the SN status transfer information to the target gNB or potential target gNB; (8c) After the source gNB completes the SN (Serial Number Status Transfer), it sends the handover cancellation information to the target gNB or potential target gNB.

[0150] In some embodiments, during the control plane procedure of the CHO handover described above, after receiving the CHO configuration, the UE maintains its connection with the source gNB and begins evaluating the CHO execution conditions of candidate cells. If at least one candidate cell corresponding to a CHO condition meets the corresponding CHO execution condition, the UE disconnects from the source gNB, applies the stored corresponding CHO configuration to the selected candidate cell, synchronizes with the candidate cell, and completes the RRC handover process by sending an RRC (Radio Resource Control) re-establishment completion message to the target gNB corresponding to the candidate cell. After the RRC handover process is successfully completed, the UE releases the stored CHO configuration.

[0151] The target gNB sends a handover success message to the source gNB, informing the UE that it has successfully accessed the target cell. In response, the source gNB sends SN-state transition information. If the source gNB receives the handover success feedback message, it can initiate subsequent data forwarding. The source gNB sends handover success messages to other signaling connections or other candidate target gNBs to cancel the UE's CHO procedure.

[0152] In some embodiments, for the CHO procedure, the source gNB sends a handover request to the target gNB / potential target gNBs via an inter-satellite link, and then the source gNB sends the CHO configuration to the UE via an RRC message. The UE then evaluates the CHO, and if the conditions are met, executes the CHO. Afterwards, the source gNB and the target gNB interact to complete the UE's CHO procedure. The target gNB / potential gNB can also be a satellite base station. Due to the deployment of the NTN network and satellite movement, inter-satellite links between different satellites may not be persistent. For the CHO procedure, there may be a long time interval between the UE receiving the CHO configuration and executing the CHO. Therefore, the target cell may not have an inter-satellite link with the source cell when the UE executes the CHO, causing the data interaction process between the source gNB and the target gNB to fail during the CHO procedure, resulting in CHO procedure failure. In this embodiment, the network device provides a valid time for CHO configuration when configuring the CHO. The UE evaluates the CHO within the valid time, which represents the time during which an inter-satellite link exists between the source cell and the target cell. Outside of the valid time, the UE is prohibited from evaluating the CHO and / or executing the CHO handover.

[0153] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0154] In step S2101, the first network device 102 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0155] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives first information.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the validity period of the CHO configuration.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information may also be used to indicate the invalidation time of the CHO configuration.

[0158] For example, the first network device configures the validity period of the CHO configuration to the terminal through first information. The CHO configuration is used to evaluate whether the terminal's current corresponding candidate cell meets the CHO conditions, and when the conditions corresponding to the CHO configuration are met, a CHO handover process is executed. This CHO process includes two phases: "CHO ​​handover preparation" and "CHO ​​handover execution." In the "CHO ​​handover preparation" phase, the source cell corresponding to the source gNB, based on the UE's radio measurement results, reports a measurement report and local radio resource management policies, and initiates the "CHO ​​handover preparation" process. It requests multiple potential / candidate target cells to complete the target-side resource reservation configuration related to the "CHO ​​handover preparation" process and sends the CHO configuration information to the UE via air interface radio resource control signaling. Subsequently, the UE does not immediately initiate the "CHO ​​handover execution" process, but instead begins CHO evaluation. Only when the UE evaluates that the "handover conditions" are met does the UE perform a CHO handover operation to a suitable target cell.

[0159] In some embodiments, the CHO procedure allows the UE (User Equipment) to select a target gNB based on measurement results and initiate a handover process. This avoids handover failure due to changes in radio link status during signaling interactions between the UE and the source gNB, and between the source gNB and the target gNB. In this embodiment, the first network device can be the source gNB corresponding to the UE. To prevent handover failure on the UE side due to changes in the link (including terrestrial or inter-satellite links) status between the source and target gNB during the CHO process, which could lead to a lack of link connection and prevent signaling interaction between the source and target gNBs, the source gNB can set a valid time for the CHO configuration. The UE performs CHO evaluation and / or executes the CHO based on this valid time. Outside of this valid time, the UE does not perform CHO evaluation and / or execute the CHO.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first network device may determine the validity period of the CHO configuration based on the validity period of the inter-satellite link and / or terrestrial link communication with the second network device, and generate first information based on the validity period. The second network device is the network device corresponding to the target cell during the CHO process, and the target cell is the cell that the UE switches to after performing the CHO process.

[0161] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it may be, for example, "time information", "CHO ​​configuration validity period", "CHO ​​execution validity period", "CHO ​​evaluation validity period", "CHO ​​process validity period", etc.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0163] First-time information is used to indicate when the terminal should assess the CHO condition.

[0164] The second time information is used to indicate the time when the terminal should switch to the target cell if the CHO condition is met. The target cell is the cell that the terminal switches to if the CHO condition is met.

[0165] Third time information, used to indicate the time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

[0166] For example, the first information includes first time information, which indicates the time at which the UE evaluates the CHO condition. This time can be one or more time ranges, where the CHO condition is the CHO condition corresponding to the CHO configuration.

[0167] The first information includes second time information, which indicates the time when the UE should switch to the target cell if the CHO condition is met. The target cell is the cell that the UE can switch to if the CHO condition is met. For example, the first information includes second time information, which indicates a time range of 11:00-11:10. After receiving the CHO configuration, the UE determines that the target cell meets the CHO handover condition at 11:05. At this time, the UE's current local time is within the time range corresponding to the second time information. Therefore, the terminal meets the CHO condition, and the UE's current time meets the time range indicated by the second time information. Then, the UE executes the CHO process.

[0168] The first information includes third time information, which indicates the time within which the CHO configuration is valid. Within the valid time range of the CHO configuration, the UE evaluates the corresponding CHO conditions. When the CHO conditions are met and the UE's local time is within the valid time range, the CHO procedure is executed. Outside the valid time range of the CHO configuration, CHO evaluation and / or the CHO procedure is not performed.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first information includes:

[0170] Fourth time information, used to indicate the time when a communication connection exists between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell; or,

[0171] The fifth time information is used to indicate the time when there is no communication connection between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell.

[0172] For example, the first information includes fourth time information, which indicates the time when the UE's serving cell and the target cell have a communication connection. During the CHO process, the UE needs to perform signaling interaction between the first network device corresponding to the current serving cell and the second network device corresponding to the target cell. The fourth time information indicates the time when the first network device and the second network device have a communication connection, which is the time when the UE can successfully execute the CHO process. The concept of the target cell is the same as in the above embodiments and can be referred to therein, so it will not be repeated here.

[0173] The first information includes the fifth time information, which indicates the time when there is no communication connection between the UE's serving cell and the target cell. In contrast to the fourth time information mentioned above, the fifth time information indicates the time when there is no communication connection. During this time range, the first network device and the second network device cannot communicate, causing the UE to be unable to successfully execute the CHO procedure. Based on this time information, the UE is assisted in executing the CHO procedure.

[0174] In some embodiments, the communication connection includes at least one of the following:

[0175] Inter-satellite link connections between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0176] Base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0177] Inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell;

[0178] The base station interface connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

[0179] For example, the communication connection can be an inter-satellite link connection between the serving cell and the target cell, or an inter-satellite link connection between the first network device corresponding to the serving cell and the second network device corresponding to the target cell, in which case the second network device corresponding to the target cell is a satellite network device; the communication connection can also be a base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell, or a base station interface connection between the first network device corresponding to the serving cell and the second network device corresponding to the target cell, in which case the second network device corresponding to the target cell is a terrestrial network device.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by the second information, which includes the CHO configuration.

[0181] In some embodiments, the CHO configuration includes at least one of the following: time condition configuration T1, distance condition configuration D1, distance condition configuration D2, and signal quality condition configuration A4.

[0182] For example, the first information is carried by the second information, which may be CHO configuration information. During the process of the first network device instructing the UE to configure the CHO, the effective time of the CHO configuration is indicated in this configuration information to avoid subsequent link interruption between the first and second network devices, which could prevent the UE from successfully executing the CHO process. This CHO configuration includes at least one of the following: time condition configuration T1, distance condition configuration D1, distance condition configuration D2, and signal quality condition configuration A4. For example, the first network device configures the effective time range of signal quality condition configuration A4 to be T1, and the UE performs a signal quality condition assessment within the time range of T1.

[0183] In step S2102, the terminal assists in executing the CHO process based on the first information.

[0184] For example, the terminal assists in executing the CHO procedure based on the time information indicated in the first information. Assisting in executing the CHO procedure includes at least one of the following:

[0185] Within the time frame corresponding to the first piece of information, perform CHO condition assessment and / or perform CHO;

[0186] Outside of the timeframe corresponding to the first piece of information, CHO condition assessments and / or CHO implementation are prohibited.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first information includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time when the terminal evaluates the CHO condition. Step S2102 above includes:

[0188] Determine the time frame corresponding to the first-time information, and assess the CHO conditions; or,

[0189] If the terminal is outside the time range corresponding to the first-time information, the CHO condition should not be evaluated.

[0190] For example, the first information includes first time information, which indicates the time at which the UE evaluates the CHO condition. After receiving the CHO configuration, the UE determines whether to evaluate the CHO condition based on the time range corresponding to the first time information in the first information. If the UE's local time is within the time range, the CHO condition is evaluated; if the UE's local time is outside the time range, the evaluation of the CHO condition is prohibited. This is to avoid unnecessary power consumption by the UE due to link interruption between the current first network device and the second network device, which could prevent the CHO from being executed smoothly and thus reduce the UE's power consumption.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first information includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time during which the terminal is prohibited from evaluating CHO conditions. Step S2102 above includes:

[0192] The terminal determines that within the time frame corresponding to the first-time information, it prohibits the evaluation of CHO conditions; or,

[0193] The terminal determines that the CHO condition is outside the time range corresponding to the first time information.

[0194] For example, the first information includes first time information, which indicates the time during which the UE is prohibited from evaluating CHO conditions. After receiving the CHO configuration, the UE determines whether to evaluate the CHO conditions based on the time range corresponding to the first time information in the first information. If the UE's local time is within this time range, the UE is prohibited from evaluating CHO conditions; if the UE's local time is outside this time range, the CHO conditions are evaluated.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first information includes second time information, which is used to indicate the time range within which the terminal performs a Choke-On (CHO) and switches the serving cell to the target cell when the Choke-On (CHO) condition is met. Step S2102 includes:

[0196] The terminal determines that within the time range corresponding to the second time information, the terminal meets the CHO condition and executes the CHO.

[0197] For example, if the second time information indicates that the UE meets the CHO condition, the UE will execute CHO and switch to the target cell. If the UE determines that the current target cell meets the CHO condition and the UE's local time is within the time range indicated by the second time information, then the UE will execute CHO. In this embodiment, the time for the UE to execute CHO when the CHO condition is met is limited. The UE can evaluate the CHO condition based on a preset configuration, but if the target cell meets the CHO condition, it needs to determine whether it is currently within the time range corresponding to the second time information. If the UE is outside the time range, even if the target cell meets the CHO condition, the UE is still prohibited from executing CHO.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first information includes third time information, which is used to indicate the effective time of CHO configuration. Step S2102 above includes:

[0199] The terminal determines that the CHO procedure will be executed within the time range corresponding to the third time information.

[0200] For example, the third time information indicates the effective time of the CHO configuration. The UE needs to perform the CHO process based on the CHO configuration. According to the third time information in the first information, within the time range corresponding to the third time information, the CHO process is executed based on the CHO configuration.

[0201] In some embodiments, the step "execute CHO" means that when the terminal determines that the target cell meets the CHO conditions, it switches to the target cell.

[0202] In some embodiments, the above step "performing the CHO process" includes:

[0203] Terminal assessment of CHO conditions;

[0204] Once the terminal determines that the CHO condition is met, it switches the current serving cell to the target cell.

[0205] For example, in this embodiment, the CHO process includes CHO condition evaluation and target cell handover. Within the valid time period of the CHO configuration, the UE evaluates the CHO conditions, and if the CHO conditions are met, executes the CHO process within that valid time period, handing over from the current serving cell to the target cell.

[0206] In some embodiments, the terminal is configured to prohibit the evaluation of CHO conditions and / or the execution of the CHO process if the terminal is outside the time range corresponding to the valid time.

[0207] For example, the first information indicates the effective time of the CHO configuration. If the UE determines that its local time is not within the time range corresponding to the effective time, the UE is prohibited from performing the CHO process, that is, the UE is prohibited from evaluating the CHO conditions corresponding to the CHO configuration, and / or the UE is prohibited from performing the CHO process. If the target cell meets the CHO conditions, the UE will not perform the handover process of the target cell.

[0208] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terms "codebook," "codeword," and "precoding matrix" can be used interchangeably. For example, a codebook can be a collection of one or more codewords / precoding matrices.

[0210] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0211] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0212] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0213] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0214] In some embodiments, the terms "search space", "search space set", "search space configuration", "search space set configuration", "control resource set (CORESET)", and "CORESET configuration" can be used interchangeably.

[0215] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0216] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0217] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0218] In some embodiments, the terms “resource block (RB)”, “physical resource block (PRB)”, “sub-carrier group (SCG)”, “resource element group (REG)”, “PRB pair”, “RB pair”, “resource element (RE)”, and “sub-carrier” can be used interchangeably.

[0219] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terms "precoding", "precoder", "weight", "precoding weight", "quasi-co-location (QCL)", "transmission configuration indication (TCI) status", "spatial relation", "spatial domain filter", "transmission power", "phase rotation", "antenna port", "antenna port group", "layer", "the number of layers", "rank", "resource", "resource set", "resource group", "beam", "beam width", "beam angular degree", "antenna", "antenna element", and "panel" can be used interchangeably.

[0221] In some embodiments, the terms “frame”, “radio frame”, “subframe”, “slot”, “sub-slot”, “mini-slot”, “symbol”, “symbol”, and “transmission time interval (TTI)” can be used interchangeably.

[0222] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0223] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0224] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0225] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0226] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0227] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2102. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S2101+S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0228] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2102 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0229] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0230] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0231] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2.

[0232] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method executed by a terminal, the method including:

[0233] Step S3101: Receive first information sent by the first network device. The first information is used to indicate the effective time of the condition switching CHO configuration.

[0234] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0235] Step S3102: Based on the first information, the auxiliary terminal executes the CHO process.

[0236] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0238] In some embodiments, step S3101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0239] In some embodiments, step S3102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0240] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 3.

[0241] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first network device, the method comprising:

[0242] Step S4101: Send the first information to the terminal.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the effective time of the CHO configuration and to assist the terminal in performing the CHO process.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0245] First-time information is used to indicate when the terminal should assess the CHO condition.

[0246] The second time information is used to indicate the time when the terminal should switch to the target cell if the CHO condition is met. The target cell is the cell that the terminal switches to if the CHO condition is met.

[0247] Third time information, used to indicate the time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first information includes:

[0249] Fourth time information, used to indicate the time when a communication connection exists between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell; or,

[0250] The fifth time information is used to indicate the time when there is no communication connection between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell.

[0251] In some embodiments, the communication connection includes at least one of the following:

[0252] Inter-satellite link connections between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0253] Base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0254] Inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell;

[0255] The base station interface connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by the second information, which includes the CHO configuration.

[0257] In some embodiments, the CHO configuration includes at least one of the following: time condition configuration, distance condition configuration, and signal quality condition configuration.

[0258] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0259] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0260] Step S5101: The network device indicates time information to the terminal.

[0261] In some embodiments, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0262] UE determines the timeframe for evaluating CHO conditions;

[0263] The time range within which the UE switches to the target cell after determining that the CHO condition is met;

[0264] The time range within which CHO configurations are valid.

[0265] In some embodiments, time information is used to indicate:

[0266] The time or period during which a communication connection exists between the source cell (serving cell) and the target cell;

[0267] The time or period during which there is no communication connection between the source cell (serving cell) and the target cell.

[0268] In some embodiments, the communication connection includes at least one of the following:

[0269] Inter-satellite link connection between the source cell (serving cell) and the target cell;

[0270] Base station interface connection between the source cell (serving cell) and the target cell;

[0271] The inter-satellite link connection between the source cell (serving cell) corresponding base station / satellite and the target cell corresponding base station / satellite;

[0272] The base station interface connection between the source cell (serving cell) corresponding base station / satellite and the target cell corresponding base station / satellite.

[0273] In some embodiments, the UE evaluates the CHO condition within the time range indicated by the time information. If the CHO condition is met and the UE's local time is still within the indicated time range, the UE executes the CHO and switches the current serving cell to the target cell.

[0274] In some embodiments, when the UE determines that the target cell meets the CHO condition, the UE's local time is within the indicated time range, and the UE switches from the current serving cell to the target cell.

[0275] In some embodiments, a CHO configuration is determined to be valid within an indicated time range. A valid CHO configuration indicates that the UE performs a CHO condition assessment, or CHO process, based on the CHO configuration.

[0276] In some embodiments, if it is determined from time information that the UE is not currently within the time range corresponding to the indicated time, the UE does not apply the CHO configuration.

[0277] In some embodiments, time information is included in the CHO configuration, such as CondEvent-T1, CondEvent-D1, CondEvent-D2, CondEvent-A4, etc.

[0278] In this way, the network provides a valid time for CHO configuration. The UE evaluates the CHO within this valid time, which represents the duration of the inter-satellite link between the source cell and the target cell. This ensures the communication performance of the UE during the CHO process.

[0279] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0280] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0281] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0282] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the terminal 6100 may include a transceiver module 6101 and a processing module 6102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 is configured to receive first information sent by a first network device, the first information indicating the effective time of the conditional switching (CHO) configuration, and the processing module 6102 is configured to assist the terminal in performing the CHO process according to the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 6101 and the processing module 6102 are used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as determination and / or acquisition performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0283] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transmitting module may be interchangeable with a transmitter. The receiving module may be interchangeable with a receiver.

[0284] In some embodiments, the processing module 6102 may include an execution module and an acquisition module, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the execution module may be interchangeable with an executor.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0286] First-time information is used to indicate when the terminal should assess the CHO condition.

[0287] The second time information is used to indicate the time when the terminal should switch to the target cell if the CHO condition is met. The target cell is the cell that the terminal switches to if the CHO condition is met.

[0288] Third time information, used to indicate the time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first information includes:

[0290] Fourth time information, used to indicate the time when a communication connection exists between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell; or,

[0291] The fifth time information is used to indicate the time when there is no communication connection between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell.

[0292] In some embodiments, the communication connection includes at least one of the following:

[0293] Inter-satellite link connections between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0294] Base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0295] Inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell;

[0296] The base station interface connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first information includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time when the terminal evaluates the CHO condition. The processing module 6102 is further configured to:

[0298] Determine the time frame corresponding to the first-time information, and assess the CHO conditions; or,

[0299] If the terminal is outside the time range corresponding to the first-time information, the CHO condition should not be evaluated.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first information includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time during which the terminal is prohibited from evaluating CHO conditions. The processing module 6102 is further configured to:

[0301] Within the time frame corresponding to the first-time information, the terminal is prohibited from evaluating CHO conditions; or,

[0302] Determine if the terminal is outside the time range corresponding to the first time information, and evaluate the CHO condition.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first information includes second time information, which is used to indicate the time when the terminal switches to the target cell under the condition that the CHO condition is met. The processing module 6102 is further configured to:

[0304] If the terminal meets the CHO condition within the time range corresponding to the second time information, execute the CHO.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first information includes third time information, which is used to indicate the effective time of the CHO configuration. The processing module 6102 described above is further configured to:

[0306] Determine that the terminal executes the CHO procedure within the time range corresponding to the third time information.

[0307] In some embodiments, the processing module 6102 is further configured to:

[0308] Assess CHO conditions;

[0309] Once the terminal meets the CHO condition, switch the terminal's current serving cell to the target cell.

[0310] In some embodiments, the terminal 6100 is configured to prohibit the evaluation of CHO conditions and / or the execution of the CHO process when the time is outside the time range corresponding to the valid time.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by the second information, which includes the CHO configuration.

[0312] In some embodiments, the CHO configuration includes at least one of the following: time condition configuration, distance condition configuration, and signal quality condition configuration.

[0313] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the first network device 7100 may include a transceiver module 7101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is configured to send first information to a terminal, the first information indicating the effective time of the CHO configuration, and the first information assisting the terminal in performing the CHO process. Optionally, the transceiver module 7101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as determination and / or acquisition performed by the first network device 7100 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0314] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transmitting module may be interchangeable with a transmitter. The receiving module may be interchangeable with a receiver.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0316] First-time information is used to indicate when the terminal should assess the CHO condition.

[0317] The second time information is used to indicate the time when the terminal should switch to the target cell if the CHO condition is met. The target cell is the cell that the terminal switches to if the CHO condition is met.

[0318] Third time information, used to indicate the time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first information includes:

[0320] Fourth time information, used to indicate the time when a communication connection exists between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell; or,

[0321] The fifth time information is used to indicate the time when there is no communication connection between the terminal's serving cell and the target cell.

[0322] In some embodiments, the communication connection includes at least one of the following:

[0323] Inter-satellite link connections between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0324] Base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell;

[0325] Inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell;

[0326] The base station interface connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by the second information, which includes the CHO configuration.

[0328] In some embodiments, the CHO configuration includes at least one of the following: time condition configuration, distance condition configuration, and signal quality condition configuration.

[0329] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0330] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 8100 includes one or more third processors 8101. The third processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more third processors 8101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0331] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more third transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more third transceivers 8102, the third transceiver 8102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the third processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0332] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more third memories 8103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the third memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more first interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the first interface circuit 8104 is connected to the third memory 8103, and the first interface circuit 8104 can be used to receive data from the third memory 8103 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the third processor 8101 or other devices. For example, the first interface circuit 8104 can read data stored in the third memory 8103 and send the data to the third processor 8101.

[0333] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0334] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of chip 8200 shown in Figure 9 can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0335] Chip 8200 includes one or more fourth processors 8201. Chip 8200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0336] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more second interface circuits 8202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more fourth memories 8203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the fourth memories 8203 may be located outside chip 8200. Optionally, the second interface circuit 8202 is connected to the fourth memories 8203, and the second interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive data from the fourth memories 8203 or other devices, and the second interface circuit 8202 can be used to send data to the fourth memories 8203 or other devices. For example, the second interface circuit 8202 can read data stored in the fourth memories 8203 and send the data to the fourth processor 8201.

[0337] In some embodiments, the second interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method. For example, the second interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers to the second interface circuit 8202 performing data interaction between the fourth processor 8201, the chip 8200, the fourth memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the fourth processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0338] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0339] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0340] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0341] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a terminal, and the method comprises: receiving first information sent by a first network device, the first information being used for indicating a valid time of a conditional handover (CHO) configuration; assisting the terminal to perform a CHO procedure according to the first information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: first time information used for indicating a time at which the terminal evaluates a CHO condition; second time information used for indicating a time at which the terminal switches to a target cell in a case where the CHO condition is met, the target cell being a cell to which the terminal switches in the case where the CHO condition is met; third time information used for indicating a time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information comprises: fourth time information used for indicating a time at which a serving cell of the terminal and the target cell exist a communication connection; or fifth time information used for indicating a time at which the serving cell of the terminal and the target cell do not exist a communication connection.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The communication connection comprises at least one of: an inter-satellite link connection between the serving cell and the target cell; a base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell; an inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and a second network device corresponding to the target cell; a base station interface connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information comprises the first time information used for indicating a time at which the terminal evaluates the CHO condition, and the assisting the terminal to perform the CHO procedure according to the first information comprises: determining that the terminal evaluates the CHO condition within a time range corresponding to the first time information; or determining that the terminal is prohibited from evaluating the CHO condition outside the time range corresponding to the first time information.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information comprises the first time information used for indicating a time at which the terminal is prohibited from evaluating the CHO condition, and the assisting the terminal to perform the CHO procedure according to the first information comprises: determining that the terminal is prohibited from evaluating the CHO condition within a time range corresponding to the first time information; or determining that the terminal evaluates the CHO condition outside the time range corresponding to the first time information.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information comprises the second time information used for indicating a time at which the terminal switches to the target cell in the case where the CHO condition is met, and the assisting the terminal to perform the CHO procedure according to the first information comprises: determining that the terminal performs the CHO in the case where the CHO condition is met within a time range corresponding to the second time information.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information comprises the third time information used for indicating a time at which the CHO configuration is valid, and the assisting the terminal to perform the CHO procedure according to the first information comprises: determining that the terminal performs the CHO procedure within a time range corresponding to the third time information.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The executing the CHO procedure comprises: evaluating the CHO condition; determining that the terminal meets the CHO condition, and switching a current serving cell of the terminal to the target cell.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The terminal is configured to prohibit evaluating a CHO condition and / or prohibiting executing the CHO procedure in a time range corresponding to the validity time.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first information is carried by second information, and the second information comprises the CHO configuration.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The CHO configuration comprises at least one of a time condition configuration, a distance condition configuration, and a signal quality condition configuration.

13. A method of communication, comprising: The method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises: sending, to a terminal, first information used to indicate a validity time of a CHO configuration, the first information being used to assist the terminal in executing a CHO procedure.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: first time information used to indicate a time at which the terminal evaluates a CHO condition; second time information used to indicate a time at which the terminal switches to a target cell in a case where the CHO condition is met, the target cell being a cell to which the terminal switches in the case where the CHO condition is met; third time information used to indicate a time at which the CHO configuration is valid.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first information comprises: fourth time information used to indicate a time at which a serving cell of the terminal and the target cell exist a communication connection; or fifth time information used to indicate a time at which the serving cell of the terminal and the target cell do not exist a communication connection.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The communication connection comprises at least one of: an inter-satellite link connection between the serving cell and the target cell; a base station interface connection between the serving cell and the target cell; an inter-satellite link connection between the first network device and a second network device corresponding to the target cell; a base station interface connection between the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the target cell.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized by, The first information is carried by second information, and the second information comprises the CHO configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The CHO configuration comprises at least one of a time condition configuration, a distance condition configuration, and a signal quality condition configuration.

19. A terminal, characterized by The method comprises: receiving, by a transceiver module, first information sent by a first network device, the first information being used to indicate a validity time of a conditional handover (CHO) configuration; processing, by a processing module, the first information to assist a terminal in executing a CHO procedure.

20. A first network device, comprising: The method comprises: sending, by a transceiver module, first information to a terminal, the first information being used to indicate a validity time of a CHO configuration, the first information being used to assist the terminal in executing a CHO procedure.

21. A terminal, characterized by The method comprises: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-12.

22. A first network device, comprising: The method comprises: one or more processors; wherein the first network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 13-18.

23. A communication system, characterized by A terminal and a first network device are included, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-12, and the first network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 13-18.

24. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, The instructions, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-12, or cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 13-18.

25. A computer program product comprising computer programs and / or instructions, characterized in that, The computer program and / or instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-12, or the computer program and / or instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method of any one of claims 13-18.

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